Commanders' draft pick is one crushing play from catastrophe against Giants

Trust is hard to earn when you're a low-end draft pick. It's even harder to get back if mistakes are made. That's the conundrum facing linebacker Jordan Magee as he looks to firmly cement his status as a key part of the Washington Commanders' defensive rotation in 2025.

Magee is a phenomenal athlete. The Commanders thought they had a steal on their hands with the fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, but an injury when momentum was building last summer dented his progression considerably. After featuring primarily on special teams upon his return, much more was expected this time around.

Once again, a frustrating injury hurt his development. Magee missed a lot of training camp but did get back for the final preseason game. There were a few flashes, but it's clear there is a lot of hard work ahead before confidence in his aspirations increases.

Jordan Magee must deliver if Commanders call his number in Week 1

Joe Whitt Jr. is looking to get Magee more involved as the third linebacker alongside Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner this season. His athleticism could be an asset against the New York Giants in Week 1, especially when it comes to exploiting an indifferent offensive line interior and helping in coverage. But if, or when, his number is called, he must deliver.

The Commanders have no room for passengers this season. They have heightened expectations to meet, so any weak links are going to get cast aside to special-teams duties or the inactive list pretty quickly. Magee has the tools to make a lasting contribution, but he remains an unknown quantity where reps in the defensive lineup are concerned.

Magee is the only viable option behind the starting linebacker tandem. Nick Bellore is a special-teams ace but nothing more. Sixth-round rookie Kain Medrano is athletic but incredibly raw. Undrafted free agent Ale Kaho did well to make the 53-man roster, but he could be a healthy scratch over the early stages of the campaign.

That places the onus squarely on Magee to pick up the slack. His physical profile looks tailor-made for Whitt's schematic concepts, but that's not enough. He must be better disciplined against the run, take better angles to the ball carrier, and not get lost in coverage. Nothing else will do.

Having two accomplished pros such as Wagner and Luvu to lean on is only going to help. At the same time, Magee's training wheels have to come off at some point. And the Commanders must find out for sure what they have in the Temple product.

Magee could see the field in Week 1. But if mistakes are made, it might be a long road back.