Noah Igbinoghene - Commanders CB
Noah Igbinoghene became something of a forgotten figure in the Washington Commanders' cornerback room this offseason. Two new arrivals with starting credentials, coupled with the return to health of Marshon Lattimore and the ongoing ascension of Mike Sainristil, saw him buried down the depth chart as an afterthought. A big response was needed.
Igbinoghene deservedly got a new one-year deal before free agency. He might not ever reach the heights expected as a first-round pick, but his production last season represented a big step in the right direction.
The former Auburn standout has put some newly acquired momentum to good use this summer. Not many fans were expecting much from Igbinoghene. However, he's proving his worth not only as a depth piece, but also as someone who can be trusted to log starting reps if needed when the 2025 campaign arrives.
Lattimore, Sainristil, and second-round rookie Trey Amos are cemented as the starting cornerback trio. The Commanders will need more if they want to counteract some imposing passing attacks on the schedule, and Igbinoghene is displaying the strides expected.
Things looked bleak for Igbinoghene once upon a time this offseason. After improving his consistency and showing the correct resolve in the face of adversity, that's not the case anymore.
Ja'Corey Brooks - Commanders WR
The Commanders' wide receiver dynamic has been under a cloud throughout the summer. Terry McLaurin is embroiled in a contract battle, with neither side willing to budge. And there are growing concerns that Washington might not have sufficient depth to cope without the second-team All-Pro.
Several established veterans are coming in for criticism. However, the reports remain glowing around undrafted rookie Ja'Corey Brooks as he looks for a shocking spot on the 53-man roster.
Brooks was a high-priority target for the Commanders once the 2025 NFL Draft concluded. A subpar 40-yard dash time saw his stock slide enough to not hear his name called, but it was evident from early on this offseason that the wideout plays a lot faster.
It's not been perfect, but nobody expected it to be. Overall, everyone associated with the Commanders has been pleasantly surprised by Brooks' production and future outlook. He also took this through into a typical game-day setting, bringing in all five of his targets in Washington's preseason opener versus the New England Patriots.
Momentum is building around Brooks. At the same time, the Commanders are leaning toward veteran players as Adam Peters embarks on a win-now philosophy. This means it could legitimately still go either way for the Louisville product.