Commanders Training Camp: WR Dax Milne Leads Depth Battle at End of Week 1

With Week 1 coming to a close we shift our focus to the receiver depth battle happening that will impact the Washington Commanders offense and special teams.

ASHBURN, Va. -- The final practice of Week 1 at Washington Commanders training camp is in the books, and it featured two interceptions from quarterback Sam Howell in 11-on-11 drills, but more on that in a bit. 

First, we're going to start with our Commanders battle to watch for the day, and that focus shines on the receivers beyond the starting three or four. 

RECEIVER DEPTH

We don't think there's any argument that Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and Curtis Samuel are clearly the top three receivers in Washington, there is some question about who follows. 

Dyami Brown isn't as locked in as the fourth receiver possibly, but after the first week of camp, there's no reason to think he won't keep a grip on that spot. 

After that, there are maybe two or three spots left to be claimed by receivers like Marcus Kemp, Dax Milne, Byron Pringle, and others. 

While one of those spots may go to a guy that doesn't present clear special teams contributions, we expect the other will have to. 

And that leaves the battle presumably between Dax Milne, Kazmeir Allen, and Byron Pringle for what may be the final receiver spot on the active roster at camp's end. 

Of the three Milne clearly has the bigger presence on special teams than either Allen or Pringle, but some have voiced frustration at the lack of explosive returns from the third-year receiver in the past. 

"It is really hard to just go out there and simply catch it," Milne said when asked about the importance of cleanly fielding punts before trying to become an explosive returner on top of it. "I think people should be a little more understanding there, but I definitely want to be more explosive and give the fans what they want there."

While Milne is preparing to improve his own return skills, other roster hopefuls like Allen are training in the skill as well.

And so too are rookie Mitchell Tinsley and second-year receiver Kyric McGowan.

Speaking to special teams coordinator Nate Kaczor earlier this year he also told us not to forget that last year's first-round NFL Draft pick Jahan Dotson can also field punts, potentially opening up a needed roster spot elsewhere if the Commanders want to go that way.

In team drills on Saturday Milne was the first depth receiver to get reps on offense, perhaps signalling favor his way while also understanding this battle is far from settled at this point.

PLAY OF THE DAY

Washington's offensive line has received some early criticism for giving up early pressure on the quarterback in the first week. 

But in our Play of the Day, the offensive line won and won mightily.

Not only did left tackle Charles Leno Jr. and the guard next to him open a lane they opened a freeway.

Robinson hit the gap quickly, made one move around an incoming linebacker, and hit the jets to break away from the defense for a big run - possibly the best of the week, not just the day.

HOWELL WATCH

In 11-on-11 drills on Saturday, the second-year quarterback completed 10 of his 16 pass attempts for a 63 percent completion rate which is pretty solid. 

What wasn't solid, however, was the pick-six he threw while targeting receiver Terry McLaurin.

As McLaurin was coming open from right to left Howell stepped in to throw a pass to his star receiver when he appeared to have gotten tripped up by one of his lineman's feet. 

The result was a grossly off-balance throw while falling back that floated behind McLaurin and into the hands of rookie cornerback Emmanuel Forbes.

It's a throw Howell will certainly not want to replicate, which he didn't for the rest of practice. 

He did have a second interception in 11-on-11 drills, but that one hit Commanders receiver Dyami Brown right in the hands and just went through to safety Percy Butler who was playing over the top of the play.

Brown was seen shortly after doing pushups to atone for the mental error.

The Washington offense in general looked a little out of sync on the final day of Week 1, just in time for a day off Sunday before getting ready for the second week of training camp.

Find David Harrison on the Locked On Commanders podcast or text him directly at (202) 760-2188.

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