Washington Commanders wide receiver Dyami Brown began training camp with some on the outside wondering if he was on the roster bubble. It appears that Brown is now a roster lock three weeks into training camp and one week into the preseason.
The 2021 third-round pick has 29 career receptions entering 2024. Brown played a lot on special teams throughout his first three seasons, embracing his role. However, there appeared to be no sign of Brown’s big-play skills on offense outside of one game against Tennessee in 2022.
There were whispers that Brown had a strong offseason. Of course, you hear that about every player entering a contract year. It was clear that Brown looked like a different player once training camp began in late July. His connection with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels looks like it has the chance to be special.
Could he finally develop into the player Washington thought he’d become? Whether it’s his performance in the open practice or his catch against the New York Jets, Brown looks firmly entrenched as the Commanders’ No. 2 receiver opposite Terry McLaurin. Yes, even ahead of 2022 first-round pick Jahan Dotson.
On Monday, head coach Dan Quinn praised Brown.
“One, I thought you’ve seen some big plays from Dyami through this training camp,” Quinn said via Zach Selby of commanders.com. “There’s actually some in the spring that got my attention, to say okay what’s there? And his ability to get on top of people and stay. He’s got size, he’s got length, so there’s actually a good play in the one-on-ones that transferred into the game to go. So, I thought examples like that definitely help. Yeah, I was excited for him to make a big play like that, and I can’t speak to the past, but what I can say is from what I’ve seen here, the competing, he’s on special teams, he’s really going for it.”
Quinn loves the splash plays. What coach wouldn’t? But it’s Brown’s effort on special teams that gives the head coach and his offensive staff a stronger appreciation for Brown and his work ethic. Far too often, players in Brown’s position would pout. He never did. Even with inadequate coaching and multiple quarterback changes, Brown kept working. It’s why he’s one of the few former Ron Rivera draft picks who has quickly emerged as a favorite under the new regime.
Brown is on the verge of a career season, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.