Commanders linebacker Jamin Davis has already noticed a shift in his comfortability and confidence heading into his second year as a pro.
"Ten times more comfortable. I mean, everything is way slower, slowed down for me," Davis said. "I feel like more of myself. I'm just really out here trying to make more plays."
The 2021 first round draft pick had a lot of pressure in the lead up to his rookie year; it comes with the first-round pick status. Last season was not a superbly productive or standout one statistically for the Kentucky product. Neither the coaching staff nor Davis himself expected the adjustment to be an overnight flip of a switch.
"It's hard when you are used to playing a specific way, a certain way, and then you come in and now it's completely a whole new ball game. It really truly is," head coach Ron Rivera said. "With him, it's just a matter of getting opportunities and picking it up…he continues to get reps and continues to do well."
The novelty has worn off for Davis, and that's good. He is noticing situations he's been in before and has processed how to approach them and succeed.
"I think a lot of it more so is just having that experience and having reps and just being like, 'Okay, now I've seen this before, so now I can be in the right place at the right time and just play it a lot faster."
The linebacker is not shying away from his moments as he gears up for his second season. Any hesitancy or shakiness in getting his bearings seems to be behind him. Training camp is offering opportunities he is relishing.
"I'm loving it so far. I'm doing what I can, going out there making plays," Davis said. "It should be a pretty big season this year.
Here's a morning roundup of what the local and national media have to say about the Washington Commanders on Tuesday, August 9, 2022. All reports, rumors and conjecture are a reflection of the media conversation and are not endorsed or confirmed by the Washington Commanders.
The reports and deals expressed in this article have not been confirmed by Washington, nor do they reflect any insider information from anyone in the front office.
- NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux writes about Sam Cosmi's increased comfortability heading into Year 2.
- NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux writes about how players are looking forward to the Aug.6 practice at FedExField.
- The Washington Post's Sam Fortier writes about a leaner Antonio Gibson who is confident heading into year 3.
- The Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala writes about the similar paths of Percy Butler and Washington Legend Brian Mitchell
- NBC Sports Washington's Peter Hailey writes about how Kendall Fuller's standout knowledge of the playbook, football IQ has set him up for success at camp so far
- The Athletic's Ben Standig writes about rookie Percy Butler's adjustment to NFL life and dad life.
- NBC Sports Washington's Peter Hailey writes about Taylor Heinicke's love of LEGOS.
- The Washington Post's PJ Morales writes about the hunt for the team's next starting dual-returner.
- NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux writes about Antonio Gibson's confidence entering Year 3.
- NBC Sports Washington's JP Finlay provides a look back at Ryan Kerrigan's career in Washington.
- The Washington Post's Sam Fortier writes about the sounds of the first few days of training camp.
- NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux writes about Dyami Brown's epic in Day 3.
- The Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala writes about the positive Day 2 outing for the Commanders' secondary.
- NBC Sports Washington's Peter Hailey also writes about the glimpses of Curtis Samuel magic that offer hope for the future.
- NBC Sports Washington's Peter Hailey also writes about how Carson Wentz's attitude has impressed as training camp gets underway.
- NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux writes about the humble approach that is fueling the Commanders defense.
- NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux also talks about Jahan Dotson's excitement towards learning from Terry McLaurin.
- ESPN's John Keim writes about Carson Wentz building his confidence on the first day of camp.
Check Out What's On Commanders.com:
- McLaurin has confidence in his and Carson Wentz's budding chemistry
- Media roundup | Sam Cosmi's progress feels like 'night and day' from rookie season
- Training camp notebook | Commanders begin preparations for season opener
- Media roundup | Carson Wentz's TD to Terry McLaurin felt like a 'game rep'
- 4 standouts from Week 2 of training camp
- Brian Robinson is becoming more than a downhill threat
- Training camp notebook | Inside Sam Howell's 'awesome' relationship with Taylor Heinicke
- Media roundup | Taylor Heinicke praises Sam Howell's arm strength, says the rookie QB 'can sling it'
- Training camp notebook | All about rest and recovery
- Media roundup | Charles Leno calls Brian Robinson a 'natural running back"
- Washington Commanders to induct Mike Bass into Ring of Fame during 2022 season opener
- Kendall Fuller: Commanders secondary can be 'as good as we wanna be'
- Training Camp Notebook | Curtis Samuels suits up, Cole Turner establishes chemistry with Carson Wentz
- "I absolutely love it, being out here in the uniform": Military members enjoy Salute Day at the Park
- Terry McLaurin provides roadmap for Jahan Dotson's development
- Cole Holcomb proud of Jamin Davis' growth
- Training Camp Notebook | RBs found open lanes in first padded practice
- Antonio Gibson looking 'spry' in return to team drills
- Training Camp Notebook | Defense shines to start Week 2 of camp
The Washington Commanders were back at The Park to kick off Week 3 of training camp. Check out the top images from Monday's practice. (Photos by Emilee Fails/Washington Commanders)