Commanders hidden gem finally turning heads with help from a legend

Jordan Magee's rookie campaign may have been blighted by injury. However, the second-year linebacker is eager to make up for some lost time.

And he's enlisted the help of the Washington Commanders' most experienced figure to get him more involved next time around.

It looked like the Commanders might have a steal on their hands with Magee last spring. The fifth-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft made a sensational start to life in Washington. A disappointing knee injury quickly followed, which needed surgery and left his hopes of making an instant impression in tatters.

The Commanders didn't place too much pressure on Magee upon his return to health. He was utilized on special teams but found opportunities on the defensive rotation limited. Although disappointing, all signs suggest that's about to change.

Commanders believe Bobby Wagner is having profound impact on Jordan Magee's development

Magee's been a standout over Washington's offseason program. He's becoming more comfortable on the starting defense and is fully aware of Joe Whitt Jr.'s demands. The defensive coordinator is suitably impressed, and he lauded the tutelage of Bobby Wagner as a big reason behind the player's surge.

I'm really hopeful that he can stay healthy. He's been showing great call command. I believe linebackers control the huddle and control the defense. And he's learning from Bobby [Wagner] and us how to do that.Joe Whitt Jr. via Commanders.com

Having a future first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer to learn from is an exceptional tool, something Magee is taking full advantage of. There's a long to go and more learning ahead for the second-level force, but it's starting to look like he could be the missing piece of Washington's linebacking puzzle.

Whitt's already declared an intent to get Magee more involved. Staying healthy is crucial, but there have been no further issues that warrant concern.

The former Temple star is a phenomenal athlete. Magee is fast, physical, and instinctive. He's everything Whitt and Dan Quinn look for in their linebackers, so don't be surprised if opportunities to shine in a competitive setting arrive if this momentum is built upon throughout training camp.

Getting some reps into Magee in the preseason will provide a broader indication of what he might be capable of when the real action arrives. There's no chance he'll unseat Wagner or Frankie Luvu, but there's hope he can do enough to become a long-term option when the Utah State graduate officially brings an end to his glittering career.

That's a best-case scenario for the Commanders. It would also represent a substantial accomplishment for Magee after a rocky start to his NFL journey.

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