Let's dive into some exciting developments in the NFL as we spotlight a few key players and their teams gearing up for the upcoming season.
Commanders
Josh Conerly Jr., the Commanders' offensive tackle, is stepping into his second year with the kind of confidence you'd expect from a first-round pick. Drafted in 2025, Conerly's evolution both on and off the field is evident. He's been focusing on refining his habits, which he believes have been crucial to his enhanced performance.
“Just finding ways to make it as comfortable as possible,” Conerly shared about his approach. “So, once I stepped out there, I just felt a lot more confident, and I’m just able to be free.”
His off-field regimen includes a cleaner, more disciplined diet, which he credits for his improved physical state. The arrival of new Offensive Coordinator David Blough has also been a boon.
Blough's strategy capitalizes on the athleticism of the offensive line, emphasizing lateral movement. Conerly appreciates this approach, noting how it allows the line to showcase their athletic prowess.
Cowboys
Over in Dallas, running back Javonte Williams is celebrating a well-earned three-year, $24 million contract extension. After initially joining the Cowboys on a one-year deal, Williams' hard work has clearly paid off.
Last season, he set personal bests with 1,201 rushing yards and 13 total touchdowns. Now, his sights are set on building on that success.
“Just to build on last year, try to be a better version of myself than I was last year, stay healthy throughout the whole season, and just win games,” Williams expressed his goals for the upcoming season.
Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer is full of praise for Williams, describing him as a "bruiser" who can consistently find the end zone. Schottenheimer's confidence in Williams' ability to deliver is palpable, as he expects the running back to be a cornerstone of their offensive strategy.
Giants
The Giants made a significant move in the 2026 NFL Draft by selecting offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa with the 10th overall pick. Mike Bloomgren, the Giants' offensive line coach, couldn't contain his excitement when Mauigoa joined the team.
“I didn’t get the opportunity to run it (the draft card) up, but I can tell you nobody in the building could have been more excited than I was,” Bloomgren said.
Bloomgren is convinced that Mauigoa was the standout offensive lineman in this year's draft class. His enthusiasm is shared by his family, who have already embraced Mauigoa as one of their own. The rookie's prior coaching under Alex Mirabal at the University of Miami has set a solid foundation, with Bloomgren noting the exceptional level of preparation and knowledge Mauigoa brings to the table.
As these teams prepare for the new season, the focus on player development and strategic adjustments is evident. With promising talents like Conerly, Williams, and Mauigoa, the Commanders, Cowboys, and Giants are all looking to make a significant impact. Keep an eye on these players as they look to translate their off-season work into on-field success.
In Other News...
Commanders Fans May Be Reconsidering That $96 Million Oweh Gamble
The Commanders did not hesitate when they handed Odafe Oweh a four-year, $96 million contract in free agency, betting big on an edge rusher they believe can lift a pass rush that needed more bite. Former tight end and team analyst Logan Paulsen came away impressed with what he saw during the offseason program, and that kind of internal buzz matters when Washington is trying to reshape the front under new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones.
Owehs early impression has only added to the optimism around a pass-rush group that has been reinforced in other spots as well. Washington brought in more help to chase quarterbacks, but the real question now is whether Oweh can turn those encouraging spring signs into the kind of consistent pressure that makes the rest of the defense work the way the Commanders envisioned when they made the deal. [Read more 🡒]
Commanders May Finally Have The Right Moment For Ben Sinnott
Washingtons offense is heading into a different phase after David Blough was promoted to offensive coordinator in place of Kliff Kingsbury, and that shift could matter for players beyond the obvious names like Terry McLaurin. Ben Sinnott is one of the more interesting watchpoints, because the second-year tight end is positioned to have a larger role as the Commanders adjust what they want to do structurally and how they want to feature the middle of the field.
Former tight end Logan Paulsen sees a path for Sinnott to benefit from the change in scenery and the change in scheme, even with Chig Okonkwo now in the building. He pointed to the way Trey McBrides role grew after coaching changes in Arizona, which is the kind of comp that hints at opportunity without guaranteeing it. For Sinnott, the question now is less about whether the opening exists and more about how quickly Washington turns it into real production. [Read more 🡒]
Commanders Offensive Line Suddenly Has Fans Second Guessing Everything
The Commanders offensive line is drawing a fresh round of scrutiny after a recent all-32 ranking slotted the group 22nd in the league, a reminder that even with some major investment up front, the picture is still a work in progress. Washington has made Laremy Tunsil the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL, and that kind of commitment usually signals stability, but the rest of the unit has been in more of a shuffle than a finished state.
Nick Allegretti is now positioned to handle center after getting a one-year extension, Chris Paul is back on another one-year deal and set to battle Brandon Coleman for the left guard spot, and the front office has clearly left itself room to keep sorting things out. The biggest question for the Commanders is whether the current mix can become a reliable five-man group quickly enough, because the evaluation of this line still seems to hinge on what happens next rather than what has already been settled. [Read more 🡒]