3 Commanders undrafted free agents with best roster chances post-camp
By Dean Jones
Chigozie Anusiem - Commanders CB
There are some concerns about the Washington Commanders' outside cornerback options heading into the season. Mike Sainristil's outstanding transition from college to the pros should be a revelation from the slot. Things are less certain on the perimeter, which won't take long to become a weak link when the regular season commences.
Benjamin St-Juste, Michael Davis, and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. are the three primary candidates for extended involvement. There isn't a great deal of confidence in any of them. This could leave the Commanders exploring alternative options either on the roster right now or elsewhere when cuts begin occurring around the league.
Someone like Chigozie Anusiem might fancy his chances of pushing his way up the ladder. The undrafted free agent chose the Commanders over half the league through a combination of money and a big opportunity. It's something he's grasped, not looking out of place in coverage and making plays when opportunities arise.
This is incredibly positive from Anusiem's standpoint. However, his situation remains precarious. Nothing but a strong end to Washington's preseason commitments will do.
Anusiem has the size and length typically associated with cornerbacks operating within Dan Quinn's creative defensive schematics. His overall attitude, tireless work ethic, and ability to seize the moment won't be going unnoticed by Washington's primary decision-makers. Any positives the rookie can generate against the New England Patriots will do his hopes of making the team a tremendous amount of good.
All Anusiem wanted was a genuine opportunity to make an NFL squad. He believed the Commanders represented the best destination to accomplish his goals under a coaching staff renowned for their defensive back development. It could still go either way, but the fact he's in with a fighting chance this late into the offseason is a testament to the way he's adapted to a professional climate.
The former Colorado State star needs to leave no doubt with another outstanding outing in Preseason Week 3. After that, everything else is out of his hands.
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