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3 unheralded free agents for Commanders to consider

By Jonathan Eig

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 23: Antoine Brooks Jr. #39 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-27 in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 23, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 23: Antoine Brooks Jr. #39 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-27 in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 23, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images)
(Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images) /

Antoine Brooks Jr., Safety

Brooks went to DuVal High in Lanham before starring for the Maryland Terrapins. He was drafted by Pittsburgh in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and has played for both the Steelers and the LA Rams.

I have always thought Brooks has a place in the NFL. He isn’t quite big enough and he isn’t quite fast enough, but he is a tough guy who makes plays. During his two years in the pros, he has shown the ability to play the slot corner and either safety role. At 5’10”, and without blazing speed, Brooks will function better in zone. Basically, he is a younger, somewhat bigger version of Danny Johnson.

Johnson has been one of my favorite Washington players since he entered the league, and I don’t relish bringing in his potential replacement. But it would make for some good competition in the secondary. Let’s see if Brooks can replicate Johnson’s toughness and smarts. At 210 pounds, Brooks also might be able to help out at Buffalo Nickel, in case all these rumors about a Landon Collins return fizzle out.

Niles Scott, Defensive Tackle

And while we are bringing young men back home to Maryland, let’s sign Elkton’s own Niles Scott. Scott played nose tackle for D3 Frostburg State and showed enough to be scooped up by San Francisco as a UDFA back in 2018. Though the Commanders almost never run 3-4 fronts, they will occasionally line Daron Payne up over the nose. Last year, they employed five-man fronts with Matt Ioannidis playing over center. With Ioannidis gone, a big run stopper for the middle of the line could be a valuable addition.

Assuming Payne is not moved, Washington should have a solid 3-man interior rotation with All Pro Jonathan Allen, and rookie second-rounder Phil Mathis joining Payne. Daniel Wise flashed some real talent last season, but Wise is more of a quick tackle who uses his hands and feet to shoot gaps. Without Ioannidis and Tim Settle this year, Washington does not have as much size in the middle. Scott, who has shown good power and enough agility, could come in and compete with Gabe Wright and David Bada to provide that kind of bulk.

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