Commanders rookies are learning the ropes during introductory camp

ASHBURN, Va. (7News) — Rookie Mini Camp is underway at Washington Commanders headquarters in Ashburn, Virginia.

The three-day stretch allows draftees and undrafted free agents to show off their talents and convince the coaching staff that they deserve to don the burgundy and gold this season.

Before Saturday's practice, head coach Dan Quinn explained what he wants to see from his rookies.

"I want to see, one, the learning. What's going to be taken from the field and how it's going to be from the classroom and bring it onto the field," he said. "As a coach, you want to hear this communication that takes place on offense, on defense, on the special teams side."

Saturday was the first time members of the local DC media could observe practice and speak with players.

"I've learned a lot," rookie cornerback Trey Amos said. "Really just out here wanting to compete and make everybody else better. Just coming in every day with a great mindset, being positive, and everything is going to work out for itself."

Among the Commanders' undrafted free agents participating in camp is Rice University safety Gabe Taylor, the younger brother of the late Washington great Sean Taylor.

"I know you damn proud of me, I know you damn proud of me," Taylor said when 7News Sports Anchor Natalie Spala asked what he believes his brother would say to him if he saw him on his old stomping grounds. "All the pressure on my back that I don't feel that people think I feel, I don't really care. I like to see their comments, you know? I'm the type of person that thrives on critics."

Quinn also spoke on the Commanders' returners, stating they have been on site for a few weeks.

"It’s been cool to see them connect what they're working on, what skills specifically to improve upon, and then we will add the members here from this weekend into the team beginning on Monday," he said. "That'll be the first time that we'll all be ready to get rocking as a crew."