Commanders insider just hyped a roster longshot that nobody saw coming

Training camp is all about getting noticed. Whether it's enough to earn roster spots is a different matter, but provoking discussions is imperative.

The Washington Commanders are giving everyone a shot. No matter if they are a franchise cornerstone or an undrafted rookie looking to make their way, everyone starts with a clean slate. Previous accomplishments matter to a certain extent. But anyone who performs well enough will be rewarded accordingly.

And one Commanders insider caused a stir by hyping up a roster longshot who gave a good account of himself on Day 2 of training camp.

Commanders writer likes what he sees from buried tight end Tyree Jackson

Zach Selby from the team's website acknowledged that the tight end room is pretty set right now. It would take a monumental effort to unseat those who are expected to make the 53-man roster. However, the senior writer thought Tyree Jackson's early impact was worth noting nonetheless.

It seems like the tight end room is mostly set, but players are still making a case to be on the initial 53-man roster. One such example is Tyree Jackson, who used all of his 6-foot-7 frame to reach out and make a sideline catch during seven-on-seven drills. While the main tight end trio of Zach Ertz, John Bates and Ben Sinnott all tower at 6-foot-4 and above, Jackson has a unique frame that is rare to find at any position. He still faces a long way to making the roster, but perhaps the Commanders will keep him on the practice squad as a long-term project.Zach Selby

Jackson was a college quarterback at Buffalo who transitioned to the tight end spot upon joining the NFL. He spent the first two years with the Philadelphia Eagles before signing with the New York Giants. Injury ended his time with the G-Men, but the Commanders signed him to the practice squad late last season.

Those in power saw enough in Jackson to give him a reserve/futures contract. His length and wide catch radius provide intrigue, although unseating the likes of Zach Ertz, Ben Sinnott, John Bates, and even 2024 undrafted free agent Colson Yankoff seems like a tall order.

Even so, as Selby mentioned, there's nothing to suggest Jackson cannot keep his foot in the door with a place on the practice squad if he keeps making a splash at camp. This becomes more realistic if the Mona Shores High School graduate maximizes every target that comes his way in the preseason.

Jackson has the physical tools; that was never a concern. And even though his hopes of gaining a roster place seem highly unlikely, the fact that buzz is being generated so early at camp is a major plus.

Keeping this up is the tricky part.

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