These 3 Washington Commanders undrafted rookies are ready to outperform expectations, and earn their spot at training camp originally appeared on A to Z Sports.
Rookies have reported to training camp for the Washington Commanders, and a strong undrafted free agent rookie class is poised to make some noise heading into the preseason.
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Washington only had five picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, so they looked to the undrafted pool when the draft ended to acquire some hidden gems that can earn a roster spot.
Everyone knows that the Commanders are the oldest team in the NFL, so they desperately need as many rookies as possible to be part of the team’s foundation moving forward .
Depth at wide receiver finally answered
The most notable name that was signed after the draft was WR Ja’Corey Brooks who should have every opportunities to fight for a roster spot with so many questions about the depth at WR for Washington.
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Brooks tranfered from Alabama to Louisville, and instantly become a massive piece of the Cardinals’ offense. The wideout finished with 61 catches for 1,013 yards, and nine touchdowns as Tyler Shough’s top target.
Washinton needs someone who can be a reliable target for Jayden Daniels as an “unsung hero”, and Brooks’ catch radius and body control make him a true threat to rise up the depth chart. I’m a big fan of how Brooks attacks the catch point, and tracks the deep ball downfield.
An under the radar corner emerges
I can’t lie, when I saw Washington sign CB Car’lin Vigers, I got excited about what Dan Quinn can mold him into. Vigers is truly THE exact type of corner that coach Quinn loves. He’s tall and lengthy at 6’2″ and 200lbs, and plays fiesty on the outside against top wide receivers.
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Texas blew out UL Monroe this past season, but the 23rd overall pick Matthew Golden couldn’t do anything again Vigers. Vigers isn’t afraid of the big moments, and he has a chance to make plays at training camp, and impress the coaching staff. Washington has some veteran depth at corner, and not long-term solutions. That’s where Vigers can insert himself on the roster.
A front office favorite fills a major void
Washington had a list of players they wanted, and there was one player in the draft they showed more attention to than anyone. Jackson State safety Robert McDaniel met with the Commanders many times, and even had a dinner with the front office.
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My biggest concern on the team from a roster standpoint is the stability at the safety position. I think Quan Martin will have a massive season, but after that, we’re not sure what newly acquired Will Harris will look like, and the depth is worrisome.
Daniels is a bigger safety at 6’2″ and 207lbs, but he can drop into coverage from the strong safety position, and even played some corner at Jackson State. He displays high IQ to read and diagnose plays, and can pop receivers at the catch point. Washington will love his coverage ability and willingness to be physical.
Washington made an effort to sign valuable undrafted rookies after the draft to continue building the youth of the team, and these three have a real shot to make some noise in training camp.
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This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Jul 18, 2025, where it first appeared.