One reason Commanders should be optimistic for next season

Rookie minicamps are finished across the NFL. Now, we'll begin to see teams start their organized team activities, better known as OTAs, before wrapping things up with a mandatory minicamp.

Excitement is high around the NFL. The rookie minicamps are the first time that teams can see their rookie class on the practice field. This weekend, the Washington Commanders held their rookie minicamp, which featured No. 7 overall pick, linebacker Sonny Styles.

From all indications, things couldn't have gone any better. Of course, it's easy for anyone to look good during rookie minicamps, when there is no physical contact allowed and none of the team's veteran players are present.

But we are at the point of the offseason where every fan base has optimism. No one has lost a game. So, with rookie minicamps in the books, Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports gave one reason why all 32 teams should be optimistic.

For the Commanders, DeArdo said Washington should be optimistic about its "significant offseason upgrades."

After a disappointing 2025 season, the Commanders put themselves in position to mirror the success they had in 2024, when they advanced to the NFC title game.

Washington overturned its defense this offseason. Six defensive players acquired during free agency are projected starters. They then hit a home run during the draft when they selected linebacker Sonny Styles, whose brilliant play at Ohio State helped the Buckeyes capture a national title in 2024.

The Commanders also gave Jayden Daniels some new weapons in former Buccaneers running back Rashaad White and rookie wideout Antonio Williams. San Francisco 49ers wideout Brandon Aiyuk could certainly land there, too.