Dominique Hampton - Commanders S/LB
- Round No. 5 | No. 161 overall
Dominique Hampton was an accomplished safety during his college career with the Washington Huskies. This was a crowded position group, which quickly saw the coaching staff shift gears and start listing the rookie as a linebacker.
This was a challenging transition for Hampton. He caught the eye briefly during the preseason and made the 53-man roster. However, the Washington Commanders are taking their time with the player given how many times he's been a healthy scratch throughout the campaign.
The Commanders are well stocked at the defensive second level. Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner have been a revelation. Dante Fowler Jr. is emerging into an outstanding pass-rusher within Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s scheme. Jordan Magee's return from injury is another boost to the team's overall depth.
- Original draft grade: B
- Midseason draft grade: Incomplete
Hampton was a late-round pick. They don't always work out, so nurturing his potential without giving him too much in the way of defensive responsibilities was a smart call by those in power. That doesn't make his evaluation any easier, so it'll be interesting to see if he's involved later in the campaign with expectations around the organization rising rapidly.
Jordan Magee - Commanders LB
- Round No. 5 | No. 139 overall
There was a tremendous amount of intrigue surrounding Jordan Magee after the fifth-round linebacker made a phenomenal start to his time in Washington. He stood out considerably over early workouts and the same trend continued throughout training camp. Unfortunately for the player, a knee issue suffered in the preseason halted his ever-growing momentum.
Magee was placed on injured reserve after having a minor procedure. This was a blow, to a certain extent. However, he was always going to be a long-term project considering the presence of Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu at the defensive second level.
The Temple product is back on the squad, featuring over the last two games. Magee is making a considerable impact on special teams, which could be the right formula in the coming weeks until he fully acclimatizes to his NFL surroundings in a competitive setting.
- Original draft grade: B+
- Midseason draft grade: Incomplete
It's hard to get a good feel of what Magee could or couldn't be considering he's missed so much time. His physicality and athleticism have flashed as a special teamer, but it would be unfair to project anything one way or another.