Commanders 2023 UDFA profile: Tim DeMorat could surprise

Could the Washington Commanders pull a surprise and take through undrafted free-agent Tim DeMorat onto their 53-man roster in 2023?

After a tumultuous 2022 season that saw an astounding 69 different quarterbacks start contests for NFL teams, as well as the unforgettable debacle that was the NFC Championship - the league's owners voted this summer to bring back an old rule that would allow for an emergency third signal-caller to dress on gamedays.

With so much emphasis on finding a franchise quarterback in today's passing-oriented game, teams are constantly on the lookout for the next potential signal-caller to develop in their scheme.

While NFL teams tend to rely on the draft to find their next names under center, countless talented quarterbacks have slipped through the scouting cracks but still found NFL success as undrafted free agents.

Today we will assess another of the Washington Commanders' rookie UDFAs - diagnosing their chances of making the final roster in 2023 and how they could possibly fit into the team's future plans at the position.

• Name: Tim DeMorat
• School: Fordham
• Position: QB
• Height: 6-foot-4
• Weight: 220 pounds
  

Commanders find promising developmental passer with Tim DeMorat

The Commanders did not select a quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft, instead opting to stand firm with second-year player Sam Howell, journeyman backup Jacoby Brissett, and practice squad veteran Jake Fromm as the only options on the roster.

The Commanders did end up adding another arm to the room soon after the draft concluded, inking Tim DeMorat as an undrafted free agent. The strong-armed gunslinger was dominant versus a lower level of competition in college and undeniably has the traits to potentially develop into a quality NFL field general in the future.

After a decorated prep career at Viera High School in Florida, DeMorat signed with Fordham University. He was astonishingly productive over his five seasons as the Rams starter, piling up impressive numbers while collecting plenty of hardware and breaking numerous school records in the process.

In all, the former FCS All-American and three-time Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year racked up 13,461 passing yards to go with an eye-popping 123 touchdowns to just 39 interceptions over his illustrious tenure. The slender signal-caller is a smooth operator from inside the pocket but is still athletic enough to hurt you with his legs - totaling 17 career scores as a runner.

With plus size and arm strength, DeMorat definitely looks the part of an NFL quarterback and generally throws with good timing and anticipation. However, the biggest concern may be his overall accuracy as he completed just 61 percent of his passes over five years.

If DeMorat can show improved touch and consistency at the intermediate levels of the field, he stands a good chance to beat out the aforementioned Fromm to be the QB3 for the Commanders in 2023.

Like fellow UDFA Kazmeir Allen, the odds of DeMorat making the final roster appear to be slim. But how each performs in practices and preseason games will likely be the determining factor in the numbers game that is final cut downs.

The Commanders' quarterback competition is clearly between the incumbent Howell and veteran Brissett. That said, don't be surprised if the rookie from Fordham finds his way onto Washington's final 53-man roster or practice squad with a solid showing throughout the summer slate.