Ricky Barber - Commanders DL
In the first few weeks of the season, the Washington Commanders' defensive line interior looked to be a genuine strength. That sense has vanished as the defense continues its downward trajectory.
Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw are two of the highest-priced players on the team. Both have had discipline issues that do not suggest leadership. They have not met expectations, especially considering the financial commitments attached.
Johnny Newton has not lived up to expectations thus far as a 2-24 second-round draft pick. Veteran journeyman Eddie Goldman, the steadiest of them all, turns 32 next year.
Ricky Barber was signed as an undrafted free agent earlier this year. He does not impress with size or athleticism, but he was very productive at Central Florida. He is very much like a younger version of veteran Sheldon Day, a hard-working interior lineman who uses his quickness and tenacity to make up for his lack of bulk.
Barber is not likely to ever become a star, but Day has been a reliable rotational player for the Commanders. The first-year pro could step into a similar role, and Washington needs to see what he can do in a regular-season setting.
Ja'Corey Brooks - Commanders WR
It would be easy to write off wide receiver Ja'Corey Brooks as a prospect who entered college with a world of potential but never produced enough to move ahead with his career. But if you watched him during the preseason, he was the best receiver the Commanders had.
Like Barber, Brooks signed as a UDFA this offseason, and it seemed for a while that he might threaten for a roster spot. He has good size and makes tough catches look easy. One of the knocks on him is that he lacks the speed to really challenge professional corners, and he does lack the suddenness that defines so many great receivers.
Still, he has enough talent, including strong special teams play, to merit a look. Plenty of receivers have overcome a lack of blazing speed by becoming strong route runners. It’s time to see if Brooks can do that.
Nobody knows how far along Brooks is. The fact that Jacoby Jones — another undrafted rookie — was signed to the active roster before Week 11 ahead of him doesn't bode well. But the Commanders could get the wideout involved down the stretch to see if he has a future in Washington.