Three Washington Commanders Winners From the First Week of Training Camp

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Three Washington Commanders Winners From the First Week of Training Camp

Ryan Lippe

Mon, Aug 3, 2026 ·

2 min read

Chig Okonkwo carving out a downfield role

Signed to a three-year contract, the plan for how Chig Okonkwo will be utilized was clear from the start . When recruiting Okonkwo, Dan Quinn laid out how he wanted to use him in the passing game, including on certain plays down the field. Now, after the first week of camp, that vision is turning into a reality.

"Ever since OTAs and having an expanded playbook, it's allowed me to use my speed down the field a lot more. I'm moving around a lot," Okonkwo said .

With the debate continuing over who will be the No. 2 wide receiver , Okonkwo has been carving out his own unique role in the offense, separate from the other pass-catchers on the team. Offensive coordinator David Blough is expected to involve tight ends in a wide array of crossing and mesh routes that will allow Okonkwo and the other tight ends to develop into true weapons in the offense .

Drew Stevens pushes Jake Moody in Commanders kicker battle

Both Jake Moody and Drew Stevens went 6-for-6 during the kicking portion of practice July 30, but Stevens continues to blow away coaches with his ability from long distance. Washington already knows what Moody's limits are, so if Stevens can work beyond those, his earning the roster spot over Moody wouldn't be much of a shock.

"Stevens, in his junior year at Iowa, converted from 54 yards. In his senior season, he increased his personal-best field goal made to 55 yards vs. Albany and then from 58 yards vs. Oregon," Ivan Lambert wrote . "In his four college seasons, Stevens converted on 12 field goal attempts from 50-plus yards, an Iowa record."

Nick Cross shines in his hometown

Originally from Bowie, Maryland, Nick Cross joins his hometown team on a two-year, $14 million deal. His athleticism was on full display during the first week of practice, flying all over the field. Thanks to his physical style of play , he fits right into the vision that Daronte Jones has for defensive backs and the secondary .

"The former Maryland star has been flying around the field, making things extremely difficult for the offense to gain any momentum," Dean Jones wrote . "Cross' versatility and instinctive approach can make a big-time difference. He displayed frailties in coverage last season with the Indianapolis Colts , but his ability to be impactful against the run represents a solid foundation to build on."

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.