Commanders UDFA turning heads with shocking rise into roster race

Much has been made about the wide receiver dynamic within the Washington Commanders. Adam Peters worked hard to strengthen the ranks and give quarterback Jayden Daniels the firepower needed to excel further. And raising competition for places is only going to help each roster hopeful raise their respective performance levels along the way.

There are high-profile names guaranteed to be on the squad. Some young rising stars are also looking to make a bigger contribution. There are also veterans on the roster bubble who have no margin for error.

And in Ja'Corey Brooks, the Commanders have another undrafted free agent surging into the roster race against all odds.

Ja'Corey Brooks is off to a good start in pursuit of Commanders roster spot

The Commanders made Brooks a high-priority target when the 2025 NFL Draft concluded. Many analysts were surprised he didn't do enough to hear his name called, but Washington saw promise that could potentially be molded into something more. They gave him $234,000 guaranteed to get him on board, which is decent money for any UDFA looking to make his way.

That doesn't come with any guarantees of a roster spot; far from it. Brooks is starting from the bottom in a crowded room with no margin for error. However, there's a growing sense that the physically imposing pass-catcher might have something to offer.

With Noah Brown, Michael Gallup, and Terry McLaurin all missing time over Washington's offseason program for one reason or another, it gave others a chance to impress. Veteran Chris Moore shone more than most, but Brooks' contribution also received praise from those in power throughout the early stages of his development.

This is positive for Brooks. Catching the eye over his initial transition was an important first step in the process. What comes next will determine whether he's got a legitimate chance to make it, so keeping the same intensity is crucial.

Brooks still has a mountain to climb. But if he can find a way to become impactful on special teams, cope well with the raised tempo at Washington's training camp, and maximize every opportunity during the preseason, he'll give himself a fighting chance if nothing else.

The former Louisville standout can't do anything more than that. Brooks has provoked a conversation regarding his roster hopes. That doesn't mean he'll end up making it, but it's got the scope to shake things up if others don't meet their end of the bargain.

Time will tell on that one.

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