The Commanders NFL draft class has been working with its new team for some time. A group headlined by first-round linebacker Sonny Styles and third-round receiver Antonio Williams have been in meetings and on-field work, mostly conducted against air.
Activity ramped up on Wednesday during the first of nine OTAs that lead into a mid-June mandatory minicamp.
There are still no pads or violent contact allowed, so we’re still a ways from the real football heading towards us in training camp and the preseason.
That’s why Dan Quinn and his staff are focused on the little details that show progress, skill and schematic understanding.
Washington’s head coach detailed what he’s looking for in Styles and Williams in this early going.
Let’s start with Styles, an Ohio State product taken at No. 7 overall. He can’t hit or make plays on the ball, but Quinn flagged areas where Styles can showcase himself this spring.
“As Sonny goes, it’s different,” Quinn said in a Wednesday press conference. “You’re not going to see his plays on the ball, but can we see the burst, the movement and as a linebacker — man, do we want to feel his communication.”
There are moments, like this clip below, where you can his natural movements and athleticism.
The Commanders will also experiment with using Styles as a pass rusher.
There are clearer signs for Williams, just by the nature of his position.
“This time of year, what are you competing and what does that look like?” Quinn said. “And so, in Antonio’s spot, it’s the route, it’s the movements, it’s the catching when he is targeted, he’ll work with a number of different groups as we go through the process.”
Williams has made a solid first impression on the man throwing him passes and deciding receivers to target, a positive sign for the Clemson product.
“He’s a smooth kid and very crafty within his routes,” quarterback Jayden Daniels said in a Wednesday presser. “I’m excited to continue to build that rapport with him.”
