Commanders' depth chart basement dweller flips the script at OTAs

Anyone looking to stake a claim for a roster spot in the wide receiver room has no margin for error. Competition for places is fierce, and several players have their positions already sewn up. That makes it increasingly difficult for those further down the pecking order, but not impossible.

One player buried down the depth chart is off to a good start this offseason. Just what the future holds remains to be seen, but there's reportedly a lot to like about the way Chris Moore has applied himself to date.

Moore was a late arrival last season, first onto the practice squad before moving onto the active roster. He didn't see much time on the field throughout Washington's memorable run to the NFC Championship game. However, the coaching staff saw enough to give the wideout a reserve/futures deal this offseason.

That's a positive, but the task facing Moore is steep. The Commanders are loaded at the receiver position with the right blend of youth and experience. It'll take a monumental effort to stake a claim, and even that might not be enough.

Chris Moore made an impact at Commanders OTAs against all odds

Team writer Zach Selby was suitably impressed by Moore over the second week of Washington's organized team activities. The insider highlighted a sensational grab over rookie corner Trey Amos as an undoubted highlight. Much more is needed, but this was a good place to start.

Near the end of practice, the Commanders moved on to some light 11-on-11 work. [Chris] Moore, lined up against rookie Trey Amos, sped past the second-round pick as [Jayden] Daniels reared back to launch the ball in his direction. Moore had to slightly adjust his route to make the catch, but he still made the reception. Moore, a fourth-round pick in 2016, has bounced around the league. His past shows that he can be productive, like when he had 548 yards and two touchdowns in 2022 with the Texans, but he still faces a difficult task to make the roster. Still, plays like that do help his cause.Zach Selby via Commanders.com

It's a true embarrassment of riches for Washington. Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel Sr. are the top two options. Noah Brown provides the deep threat. Luke McCaffrey and Jaylin Lane are the fledgling stars looking for big roles. Michael Gallup is a wildcard after coming out of retirement, and Ja'Corey Brooks is the intriguing undrafted hopeful.

Moore is way down the depth chart currently. Still, if the former fourth-round pick out of Cincinnati keeps making big plays, he could move his way up the ranks against all odds.

The Commanders will give Moore (and everyone else) a chance to force the issue. One play won't change much. If he keeps stacking good practices, it'll give the coaching staff plenty to think about as the summer progresses.

Everyone knows the high stakes attached. But if Moore can secure a spot on the practice squad, that'd be considered an achievement.

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