5 Commanders who turned heads with superstar swagger on Day 3 of minicamp

This is an imposing start to Samuel's time in Washington. Maintaining optimum fitness levels over the next five weeks before training camp is crucial. The Commanders will be on hand to help in any way they can, but the wideout shouldn't be lacking in motivation to stay in shape.

After all, he's got some doubters to silence and another new contract potentially in the offing.

Chris Moore - Commanders WR

Finding a spot within the Washington Commanders' crowded wide receiver room is a difficult task for those further down the pecking order. But with Michael Gallup and Noah Brown both missing time at mandatory minicamp through injury, it provided a chance for others to impress.

That was the case for Chris Moore on Day 3. The veteran has flashed genuine promise over early offseason workouts so far. It'll take much more to force his way onto the 53-man squad, but it's a promising development worth monitoring as the summer unfolds.

Moore's reliable hands and ability to make tough catches were on full display. He made three impressive grabs according to those watching the session. It's a small step forward, but much will depend on whether the injuries to Brown and Gallup impact their respective statuses moving forward.

They've got five weeks to recover before Washington congregates for training camp. Urgency will be high to make an impression, which raises the stakes for Moore and others during what promises to be a fascinating few weeks.

If Moore continues on this upward trajectory, the Commanders will give the former Cincinnati star all he can handle during the preseason. If he passes those tests with flying colors, who knows what will happen when push comes to shove?

Car'lin Vigers - Commanders DB

Things aren't any easier for the undrafted free agents. They are starting from the bottom up, and the Commanders have no room for passengers with their Super Bowl window open. Unless they impress accordingly, they'll be forced to settle for places on the practice squad or cast aside entirely.

At the same time, this Commanders' regime rewards those who prove their worth. Tyler Owens and Colson Yankoff were UDFAs who went through onto the roster last season. There's a growing belief that Car'lin Vigers could be a strong candidate for the same distinction in 2025.

Vigers is a versatile, physically imposing defensive back. The Commanders are using him across the secondary to understand better where his skills could be maximized. It's bringing a positive response from the rookie so far, which was highlighted further by an outstanding interception during the team portion of practice on Day 3.

Some covering the team highlighted Vigers as the UDFA most likely to make the 53-man roster. The safety spots are up for grabs behind the projected starting duo of Quan Martin and Will Harris. There's also one potential cornerback opening depending on how many Washington takes into Week 1.

Nothing is set in stone, but Vigers set himself up nicely if he continues to work on his game over the next month before training camp.

Chris Rodriguez Jr. - Commanders RB

It's a crowded running back room with no margin for error. Adam Peters ran it back with the same quartet that contributed last season, which was surprising to most fans. The Washington Commanders also spent the No. 245 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft on Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who has high hopes of making an impact on the offensive rotation.

That'll make it more difficult for others on the roster bubble. Chris Rodriguez Jr. is among them, and the former sixth-round pick has been working hard throughout the offseason to give himself a fighting chance.

Head coach Dan Quinn praised Rodriguez for improving his conditioning. He looks leaner and has put in the hard yards to bolster his chances. This has come across on the practice field based on the musings of those watching.

Rodriguez looks a lot more explosive, and he's adopting extra purpose to every carry. That won't guarantee anything, but it's not a bad foundation from which to build.

There were some encouraging signs from Rodriguez when called upon last season. He was aggressive and made almost every touch count. The trust wasn't quite there to give him involvement in the playoffs, but his performances were enough for the Commanders to keep him around.

Making the squad remains a tough proposition for Rodriguez. But a place on the practice squad isn't a bad consolation prize.

Luke McCaffrey - Commanders WR

Luke McCaffrey hasn't come into his second offseason to settle for a backup role once again. The wide receiver wants to become a core part of the team's offensive strategy under play-caller Kliff Kingsbury. And he's made a sensational start to preparations in pursuit of achieving this objective.

The stakes were raised for McCaffrey. Washington acquired Deebo Samuel Sr., Jaylin Lane, and Michael Gallup this offseason. They brought back Noah Brown and K.J. Osborn. Competition for places is fierce, so nothing but improvements would do.

With Brown, Gallup, and McLaurin all missing, McCaffrey relished the prospect of being a focal point. He's made things happen during the team portion of practices, showcasing improved route-running and eye-catching speed. He's also added an eye for the end zone, with the former third-round pick going in for another score on Day 3 to round off a hugely impressive minicamp.

All of McCaffrey's dedication away from the team, where he's been working out alongside his All-Pro brother Christian McCaffrey, is already paying off. The Rice graduate put himself in a strong position to gain more targets when competitive action commences. Ensuring this doesn't become fleeting when things get tougher this summer is the big challenge, but he's got the work ethic and mindset to keep improving in his own time.

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