Draft picks, undrafted free agents, and tryouts will take part in the Washington Commanders' rookie minicamp in the coming days. This is their first taste of an NFL environment. It's also the best chance they'll have of making a good impression.
Some bring more hype than others. The likes of linebacker Sonny Styles and wide receiver Antonio Williams will have bigger expectations on their shoulders than most. Others also bring intrigue, so fans will be looking to latch onto some underdog stories that will emerge over the summer.
And there is one undrafted rookie gaining more buzz than most, even before stepping onto the field.
Momentum continues to build around Commanders undrafted rookie Chris Hilton Jr.
Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic added his name to the growing list of those who believe Chris Hilton Jr. could stand the best chance of making the Commanders' roster. His previous connection to quarterback Jayden Daniels is positive. Despite some nagging injuries, the balance and body control represent some solid traits to potentially mold.
"[Chris] Hilton (6-0, 188) never had a consistent on-field run in college, as he battled several injuries (meniscus in both knees; ankle; shoulder), but he’s a legit speed presence (4.41 with a 1.57 split at the combine). He runs with tremendous balance and body control — he’s just an extremely raw player."
Baumgardner is right. The talent is there, but Hilton is incredibly unpolished as a pass-catcher.
There were concentration issues in college, and missing so much time didn't help his growth. Rumors are swirling about whether the UDFA will stay as a receiver or potentially move to cornerback, but all that will become clear soon.
The chemistry developed with Daniels in college gives him a head start, if wideout is the chosen path. The athleticism is there, but there is a long way to go and a lot of hard work ahead before everything comes together. Washington's rookie minicamp is just the first step.
Hilton will be a player for fans to monitor closely. Nobody is expecting miracles, but there is growing momentum that the Commanders might be onto something if they can enhance his route tree and find ways to make him more consistent under pressure.
Obviously, the LSU connection adds a little extra spice to the mix. 4
The Commanders have valued Daniels' input this offseason. He's been more vocal about who he wants and what sort of offense he desires. It would be surprising if his input wasn't given on Hilton, and it no doubt helped convince general manager Adam Peters to take a chance.
What comes next is down to Hilton, but the margin for error is razor-thin.
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