The Washington Commanders are set to close out OTAs this week and gear up for the team’s mandatory minicamp next week. It’s been a productive few weeks, particularly for Washington’s offense with new quarterback Carson Wentz and first-round wide receiver Jahan Dotson.
We haven’t heard as much about Washington’s defense. Part of that is by design, as live contact is not allowed in OTAs. However, 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are permitted, showcasing defensive backs and wide receivers.
Two former Washington standouts, cornerback Shawn Springs and tight end Logan Paulsen, are now media analysts and have been present for Commanders’ OTAs. The pair spoke with Julie Donaldson on commanders.com in a segment titled “Stars & Sleepers from Commanders OTAs.”
Paulsen and Springs have been impressed by Wentz.
“Just the way he’s picked up the offense, his ability to put the football down the field, and the tight-window throws he’s been able to make,” Paulsen said. “He’s throwing him (Dotson) open; they’ve done a really nice job, and their chemistry is on point. It just makes this offense look so different. It’s a totally different animal going into the season with him at the quarterback position.”
Springs said he’d heard Wentz had shown “Peyton-esque” leadership skills this offseason, referring to Peyton Manning.
Next, the pair discussed second-year cornerback Benjamin St-Juste as another star of OTAs.
“His length, his foot speed, his patience, his physicality with the receivers, I mean Jahan has been very, very sharp except when he goes up against Benjamin St-Juste,” Paulsen said. “His length, his athleticism, all those things you want. Check, check, check, check. He’s played a little Buffalo nickel; he fits runs well; he’s just been super impressive to me.”
Springs, who knows a thing or two about excellent cornerback play, was equally impressed.
“Last year seeing him, you could see the potential. I called him ‘Baby Richard Sherman’ at times,” Springs said.
“He’s a 6-3 guy, it’s hard to throw him, he’s got great ball skills, and he’s physical at the line of scrimmage. Often times receivers like to be fancy and give you all these moves, but when you’ve got a guy who’s gonna stand in front of you, put his arms on you, and can run with you, you can’t just mess around, you’ve gotta get off the ball. I expect a great year from him.”
We know St-Juste has worked inside in the slot this spring, but it was interesting to hear Paulsen say he’d worked at Buffalo nickel, too.
Finally, the duo named their sleeper for OTAs and chose seventh-round pick, cornerback Christian Holmes.
Paulsen named three players who have stood out to him. Washington’s other seventh-round pick, guard Chris Paul, undrafted tight end Curtis Hodges and Holmes.
“He has just looked very, very sharp,” Paulsen said.
“The kid looked like he’s got some veteran experience,” Springs said. “If you watched the tape and didn’t know he was a rookie, you’d probably think he was at least 2-3 years in the NFL.”
Springs also noted he loved his size and speed.
“He can run. He moves well. He has great hips. He was planting, breaking, and challenging the receiver,” Springs said. “This kid’s got a real upside.”
There are depth questions at cornerback behind Kendall Fuller and William Jackson III. We know the coaches love St-Juste, but he missed eight games as a rookie last season. If he can develop into the player they believe he can be, the Commanders should be in good shape at cornerback.
As for Holmes, his positive showing is even more impressive. Washington would love the seventh-round rookie to crack the cornerback rotation and play meaningful snaps as a rookie. It sounds like a former great NFL cornerback believes he has quite the future.