Ja'Corey Brookes - Commanders WR
The Washington Commanders' wide receiver room got upgraded significantly this offseason. Adam Peters had no option after quarterback Jayden Daniels surged into elite-level status much quicker than even the brightest optimist envisaged.
Making Daniels the priority with Washington's window for another Super Bowl open was key. The Commanders traded for versatile pass-catcher Deebo Samuel Sr. They spent the No. 128 overall pick on Jaylin Lane, who many respected analysts believe will be a steal when it's all said and done.
Noah Brown and K.J. Osborn both got one-year deals. The Commanders are confident Luke McCaffrey can increase his influence in Year 2. Of course, Terry McLaurin remains the undisputed alpha on and off the field.
One couldn't dismiss the possibility of a surprise emerging from proverbial obscurity and into roster contention. Ja'Corey Brooks might not have the elite top-end speed typically associated with productive NFL wide receivers, but his size, wingspan, and shrewd route-running make him an intriguing addition nonetheless.
Brooks' body control is first-class. He looked like a potential star once upon a time at Alabama before injury halted his momentum considerably. Transferring to Louisville and going over 1,000 receiving yards built back confidence. Hopefully, he can put that to good use in Washington.
Car'lin Vigers - Commanders DB
Some potential concerns around the Commanders' roster could hold them back. Much has been made about the lack of explosive pass-rushers at Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s disposal. There's still time to rectify that, but another overlooked need must also be addressed before competitive action commences.
Washington's safety room isn't especially great. Quan Martin looks the part and could thrive further in Year 3. Will Harris was signed in free agency after Adam Peters let Jeremy Chinn walk, which represents a huge gamble that could go either way.
Percy Butler and Jeremy Reaves are seen as special-teams players rather than dependable rotational pieces. Tyler Owens remains an unknown quantity, but he's got the size and physical profile to be more impactful with another offseason to develop.
The cupboard is relatively bare aside from that. Although Car'lin Vigers is listed as a cornerback, he's got experience at the safety position. The Commanders would be wise to tap into that and see if it ignites a spark within the undrafted free agent.
Vigers was a shutdown corner at Louisiana-Monroe who rarely got targeted in 2024. His production against Texas, which had Matthew Golden and Isaiah Bond, was pleasing. Not having high-level competition in college hurt the player's draft stock, but he could be a surprise that most don't see coming this summer.