Jordan Magee - Commanders LB
Jordan Magee looked like a bona fide steal during the Washington Commanders' offseason program last year. The athletically gifted linebacker burst onto the scene with his unique blend of size and explosiveness. Unfortunately, the rookie was dealt a cruel blow when a knee injury required surgery.
To say this dented Magee's momentum would be an understatement. The former Temple standout needed significant time to rehabilitate and was placed on injured reserve. He got back into the mix in Week 8, but the Commanders opted to deploy him as a special-teamer more often than not.
Magee flashed on special teams. He did get some fleeting defensive involvement, which whetted the appetite for an increased role this year.
That appears likelier than ever after another standout summer so far. Magee is fast, decisive, and his extra knowledge of the schematic concepts is obvious. Bobby Wagner has been on hand to provide support every step of the way, and the future Pro Football Hall of Famer is impressed by the way his protégé is coming along in Year 2.
This was also acknowledged by Joe Whitt Jr., who wants to get Magee onto the field more frequently. Based on his camp contribution so far, it's not hard to see why optimism is growing.
Chris Moore - Commanders WR
Getting noticed in a crowded wide receiver room is challenging. The Commanders don't have many available spots up for grabs, so the margin for error couldn't be slimmer with time running out to impress.
Almost every pass-catcher has shone at various stages. They are getting more chances without Terry McLaurin on the field. Of course, he's still dealing with a contract dispute and a supposed ankle issue on the physically unable to perform list.
It's not ideal, but Dan Quinn and Kliff Kingsbury are making the best of it. For someone right on the fringes like Chris Moore, it's a chance he cannot waste.
Moore has been a pleasant surprise throughout the offseason. Fans weren't expecting much from the veteran, but he continues to exceed expectations. This started over Washington's offseason program and has extended into training camp.
Whether this is enough for Moore to find his name on the 53-man roster is debatable. He's got a shot, but there is a long way to go. How the player performs in joint practices and preseason games will ultimately determine his fate.
It could still go either way for Moore. However, he's provoking discussion by making plays. Everything after that is out of his hands.