The opinions expressed in this article do not reflect those of the team unless specified by a direct quote.

The pads came on in Week Two of the Washington Commanders' training camp. Here are four standouts from the past few days.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Croskey-Merritt has been one of Commanders fans' favorite rookies since he was drafted in the seventh round, and that interest should increase after what he did in full-padded practices.

Croskey-Merritt worked with the starting offense on Thursday, as the offense emphasized their run game for several 11-on-11 periods. While it isn't unusual for players from the second and third groups to get some time with the starting offense, some of Croskey-Merritt's best reps on the day came during that portion of practice. He broke loose for a big run down the left sideline and showed impressive vision as he cuts through defenders on a run up the middle.

Croskey-Merritt also isn't afraid of contact. On one run earlier in the week, he met Tyler Owens in the second level of the defense and delivered a hit to the veteran safety. Owens responded with the same intensity, but Croskey-Merritt shrugged off the hit and kept running for more yardage. Neither player hit the other with full intensity, but it showed that Croskey-Merritt won't shy away from being physical.

There's still plenty for Croskey-Merritt to prove, but the excitement for the rookie is growing by the day.

Car'Lin Vigers

We talked about undrafted rookie Ja'Corey Brooks and his chances of making the roster last week; now, we're flipping the field to highlight a UDFA on the defensive side of the ball.

Vigers, who played at the University of Louisiana-Monroe, has primarily worked with the second group and has had some impressive moments. He had pass breakups working against Michael Gallup and KJ Osborn. It's clear that he needs to find ways of turning those deflections into interceptions, but he does a good job of putting himself in the right position.

Vigers' biggest issue right now is being able to finish plays. There have been a few occasions where Vigers has had passes hit him in the hands only to bounce out of his grasp. He could also be a little better in terms of preventing penalties, as he was called for a hold on Gallup earlier in the week.

However, Vigers has good size (6-foot-2, 200 pounds) and shows strong instincts. The joint practice with the Patriots will be a big test for him, but there's enough there to be encouraged about his development.

Jaylin Lane

Although his primary responsibility will be as a punt returner, Lane has started to show he can handle a bigger role in Washington's offense.

One of Lane's best moments came during Friday's practice when he got behind the defense's coverage for what would have been a touchdown in a game scenario. Lane also had the catch of training camp so far during a red zone situational drill. Jayden Daniels heaved a pass to Lane in the back corner of the end zone in double coverage, and the rookie somehow came down with the catch. (It should be noted that there was some debate about whether or not Lane kept both feet in bounds, but it was still a great moment for him.)

Lane was known for his route running and quickness at Virginia Tech but never got the chance to maximize those traits with the Hokies. The Commanders are hoping they can get more out of him with Daniels as his quarterback.

Mike Sainristil

If Lane had the best catch of training camp, then Sainristil had the best interception, which ironically came when he was covering the rookie wideout. Sainristil laid out for the pass from Daniels and made a one-handed grab deep downfield, which drew some cheers from the defensive sideline.

It's not a surprise to the coaching staff that Sainristil is producing on the field. They knew he was a talented player last season and expected him to keep developing because of his approach to the game. However, they have also seen him grow as a leader, which head coach Dan Quinn said is the next step for him.

"They wouldn't have drafted me when they drafted me if they didn't expect something out of me," Sainristil said. "And I want to live up to that expectation, because...I expect that out of myself and because I want to help this organization, help this team be the best it can be."

Sainristil still has a long way to go in his career, but it looks like the Commanders have found a foundational piece for their future.