7 Commanders rookies who can help themselves most at 2024 camp
By Dean Jones
Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint - Commanders WR
The Washington Commanders have some openings to fill lower down the wide receiver depth chart. Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Jahan Dotson, Luke McCaffrey, and Olamide Zaccheaus appear like locks. After that, the remaining spots are up for grabs.
Opportunity knocks for those who grasp it. The Commanders got a Cinderella story during camp last year when undrafted free agent Mitchell Tinsley forced his way onto the 53-man roster. Could the same happen again this summer with Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint?
The Georgia product got everyone talking over Washington's rookie minicamp with a stunning catch that drew widespread plaudits. It takes more than that to make an NFL roster. Rosemy-Jacksaint must continue to progress as a route runner and display his vice-like catching prowess when the pads start clapping at camp. That'll be the best way to potentially earn a shot within Kliff Kingsbury's offense.
Rosemy-Jacksaint might have been drafted had it not been for the exceptionally deep wide receiver draft class he found himself in. Having an extra chip on his shoulder should be motivation enough to make a splash.
Jordan Magee - Commanders LB
Arguably no rookie helped themselves more over early offseason workouts than Jordan Magee. The linebacker came into the Commanders with some intriguing athletic attributes. Just how much he's going to contribute behind the star-studded duo of Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu remains to be seen, but he's off to a promising start nonetheless.
Magee caught the eye through explosive playmaking and adopting the correct mindset during drills. He's benefitting greatly from the presence of Dan Quinn's accomplished staff and two savvy veterans guiding him on the right path. This is the best possible position for the second-level presence to thrive, but the hard work is just getting started.
The No. 139 overall selection out of Temple needs to build on this positive momentum when camp commences. It'll be much tougher when the pads go on, but keeping the same mentality and maximizing every rep - especially when opportunities with the starting unit arrive - should stand Magee in good stead.
If he continues to impress, expect to see Magee as the primary backup to Luvu and Wagner. He could even come into the starting rotation when the Commanders deploy Jamin Davis as an edge rusher.