Andre Jones Jr. - Commanders DE/OLB
Adam Peters faced questions all offseason about the lack of dynamic edge rushers at the Washington Commanders' disposal. It remains a potential complication that could hold them back, but the addition of future Pro Football Hall of Fame pass-rusher Von Miller should help considerably.
Miller might be firmly at the tail-end of his glittering career, but he can still generate pressure consistently. He's already flashed tremendous promise at training camp, and his presence pushes everyone else further down the pecking order for good measure.
Peters ruthlessly disposed of Ron Rivera's draft picks over his first year in charge. Andre Jones Jr. stuck around, albeit on the practice squad initially, after not quite doing enough to make the 53-man roster in 2024. The former seventh-round selection got a reserve/futures contract this offseason, but his chances of making the squad this time around look bleak.
Others are clearly above him on the depth chart. That's unlikely to change unless Jones takes a meteoric surge forward in the coming weeks, but he could earn a practice squad place once again by impressing in the preseason.
That's probably the best-case scenario for Jones. And it'll take a massive effort from the third-year pro to remain with the franchise in some capacity.
Jacoby Jones - Commanders WR
The wide receiver unit doesn't have the benefit of Terry McLaurin to lean on currently. One of the team's franchise cornerstones is holding out of training camp in pursuit of a new contract that hasn't arrived as yet. Although disappointing, it's provided others with more opportunities to shine.
Luke McCaffrey has started camp well. The same goes for Deebo Samuel Sr. and rookie Jaylin Lane. One also cannot dismiss the impact made by undrafted free agent Ja'Corey Brooks, who's been an absolute revelation en route to securing reps with the first-string offense much sooner than expected.
Brooks is proving that no moment is too big. Making the roster will be difficult upon further examination of the depth chart, but he's given himself a fighting chance of staying on the squad.
This has also pushed Brooks ahead of fellow undrafted free agent Jacoby Jones. He's not gained anything like the same headlines over the initial stages of training camp, but there is still time to turn things around against all odds.
The stakes cannot be higher for Jones. Taking advantage of every training camp rep is crucial. Washington would also be wise to give the UCF product all he can handle during the preseason to see how he fares.