5 Commanders bubble players who might just steal a roster spot at camp

Everyone wants to be a part of what's happening within the Washington Commanders. It's an ascending organization with high expectations for the future, with the correct culture in place. Players currently on the books will be striving with everything they have to remain part of the team's plans.

The Commanders didn't get complacent this offseason. Second-year general manager Adam Peters knew Washington's window to win another Super Bowl was open after decades in the proverbial wilderness. His aggressive approach and ruthless mentality came to the fore once again, which leaves the franchise in a much better place.

Dan Quinn's squad won't be a surprise package in 2025. They are among the postseason favorites and are being tipped as one of the few NFC teams that could topple the all-conquering Philadelphia Eagles. It's a different (and nicer) pressure. Handling it effectively is critical.

There is no room for underperformers. The Commanders are expecting everyone who makes the team to contribute. Anything less comes with potentially significant ramifications attached.

It'll be a captivating training camp this summer, which is sure to separate the strong from the weak. And here are five bubble players who might sneak onto the 53-man roster this summer.

Commanders bubble players who might just steal a roster spot at camp

Ja'Corey Brooks - Commanders WR

Securing a place in the wide receiver room represents a difficult task for those on the fringes. But it's not impossible by any stretch of the imagination.

Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel Sr., Noah Brown, Luke McCaffrey, and rookie fourth-rounder Jaylin Lane will all make the team. Michael Gallup, K.J. Osborn, and Chris Moore will also fancy their chances. Less is known about undrafted free agent Ja'Corey Brooks, but the Washington Commanders gave the wideout a big guarantee on his rookie deal to secure his services.

That means those in power see something in the gifted pass-catcher that others don't. Brooks looked like a potential star at Alabama once upon a time before injury struck. Although he restored his reputation last season with the Louisville Cardinals, it wasn't enough to hear his name called during the draft.

Brooks is a big-bodied receiver. He's a smooth route-runner with enough speed to stretch the field. The early impression he left on Washington's offseason program was encouraging. That counts for nothing if he cannot raise the stakes when training camp arrives.

The margin for error is incredibly slim. But even if Brooks doesn't make it, he's a strong candidate for the practice squad provided he clears waivers.

Chris Rodriguez Jr. - Commanders RB

Adam Peters kept faith with the running backs who contributed to the cause last season. That remains a contentious issue among the fan base, but the general manager believes that once the offensive line improves as expected, the ground game should follow suit.

The Washington Commanders did add one intriguing newcomer to the mix. Jacory Croskey-Merritt might be a seventh-round selection, but he's not acting like it. He's also got lofty ambitions to gain his fair share of carries right out of the gate despite the presence of Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler atop the depth chart.

Much will depend on how many running backs the Commanders take onto their Week 1 squad. However, don't count Chris Rodriguez Jr. out just yet.

The former sixth-round selection out of Kentucky flashed immense promise when touches came his way in 2024. He ran with balance and aggression in equal measure. Rodriguez developed encouragingly, although the coaching staff remained reluctant to get him involved down the stretch and into the playoffs despite the regression of others.

Rodriguez got another one-year deal from the club this offseason. That doesn't guarantee anything, so the same purposeful mindset is crucial in pursuit of leaving no doubt regarding his roster status.

Car'lin Vigers - Commanders CB

The Commanders rewarded two undrafted free agents with places on the 53-man roster during their first campaign under head coach Dan Quinn. Tight end Colson Yankoff and safety Tyler Owens didn't get much time on the starting rotation. Still, it shows that those who prove their worth will be acknowledged accordingly.

That should provide this year's crop of undrafted hopefuls with all the motivation needed to thrive. Some won't make the grade and will be released or forced to settle for places on the practice squad. Others will perform way above expectations and go through.

There's growing momentum building around Car'lin Vigers. Several team reporters commented on how impressive the defensive back was over the Commanders' offseason program. It's early days, but the unheralded player is making all the right noises nonetheless.

It'll be difficult for Vigers to get a spot in a strong-looking cornerback room. Marshon Lattimore, Trey Amos, Mike Sainristil, and Jonathan Jones are locks. Noah Igbinoghene should make it, too, so that leaves one or perhaps two spots for the rest.

Vigers is off to a good start. If the same trend continues at training camp and the preseason, he could find his name on the squad when it's all said and done.

Chris Moore - Commanders WR

The Washington Commanders' wide receiver room underwent some upheaval over early offseason workouts. That allowed those further down the pecking order to stake a claim with more responsibilities on their shoulders.

Terry McLaurin skipped voluntary OTAs and mandatory minicamp as he awaits a new deal from the franchise. Noah Brown was carted off with an injury that reportedly isn't too serious. Michael Gallup also missed time with a hamstring strain, which isn't ideal for a player looking to get back into the groove after ending his one-year retirement.

Their absences were felt, but it wasn't bad news for everybody. Chris Moore was among the biggest beneficiaries, getting significant reps with the first-string offense and not looking out of place whatsoever.

Moore has never gone over 548 receiving yards throughout his career at various stops. He joined the Commanders late last season but didn't make any real impact. However, those in power saw enough in the pass-catcher to give him another shot this summer.

The former fourth-round pick out of Cincinnati is making the most of it. Those in attendance over Washington's offseason program were glowing in their praise of Moore. Whether it's enough to impact a crowded wideout room is debatable, but he's given himself a fighting chance if nothing else.

Sam Hartman - Commanders QB

The Commanders are set at the quarterback position with Jayden Daniels leading the charge. He's the franchise player and potential NFL superstar, something Washington hasn't had under center since Robert Griffin III took the league by storm as a rookie.

Daniels is the undisputed alpha. The Commanders also have one of the league's best backup options in Marcus Mariota, who performed well when called upon last season and became a strong mentor to the rookie phenom for good measure.

Adam Peters and Dan Quinn took three quarterbacks onto their roster last season. If they decide to do the same again this time around, that puts Sam Hartman into the spotlight.

Jeff Driskel is no longer around. The Commanders brought in Josh Johnson to replace him. He's nothing more than a journeyman at this stage of his career, so Hartman should fancy his chances of making the 53-man roster if he performs well enough at camp.

Hartman spent last season on the practice squad and developed a strong relationship with Daniels. That doesn't guarantee anything, but there's a chance for the former Notre Dame and Wake Forest standout to make the team if the correct progress is made.

But if the Commanders go with just Daniels and Mariota, Hartman will be a prime practice squad candidate again.

More Commanders news and analysis