Unofficial depth charts are called that for a reason. While they are a great way to provoke discussion among Washington Commanders fans and others around the league, it's merely an obligation with little substance attached.
However, it is a way to spot subtle clues about how things are unfolding. And for one early camp standout, it provided a brutal reality check about how much hard work is ahead.
There was a lot to like about the way Ja'Corey Brooks applied himself over the early stages of camp. The wide receiver was among the standouts during a frantic first week of practice. Things have tailed off slightly since then, with fans in attendance noticing a few drops from the undrafted free agent when targets came his way.
Ja'Corey Brooks has a lot of hard work ahead to make Commanders' 53-man roster
Brooks was always going to be a work in progress. The former Louisville standout didn't hear his name called during the 2025 NFL Draft despite going over 1,000 receiving yards last season. He was seen as a dark horse candidate to make the squad, but others are ahead of him in the pecking order right now.
There are only so many wideout spots to go around. Terry McLaurin (contract extension pending) and Deebo Samuel Sr. will lead the charge. Noah Brown is winning the race to become Washington's third option. Rookie fourth-rounder Jaylin Lane and Luke McCaffrey should have roles to play. Michael Gallup, Chris Moore, and K.J. Osborn are others vying for places on the 53-man roster.
If the Commanders take six receivers through, that leaves one spot. Brooks won't be giving up without a fight, but maximizing every target coming his way in the preseason is the only way to enhance his claims.
That'll be his strongest measuring stick yet. Therefore, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury should give him plenty of involvement to provide the decision-makers with a broader indication of what he might be capable of in a typical NFL game-day setting.
Brooks is a strong candidate to make the practice squad if he doesn't do enough to make the team initially. But a few splashy plays during the preseason could see another team scoop him off the waiver wire in this scenario. And make no mistake, teams are always looking for a rough diamond to mold into a potential contributor who doesn't quite make the grade elsewhere.
The stakes stay the same for Brooks. He was probably expecting to be buried down the unofficial depth chart. Confirmation of this should provide the motivation needed to give it everything over the next few weeks.
Everything else is out of his hands.