Forgotten Commanders rookie is already justifying steal label at training camp

Dan Quinn and his coaching staff will have acquired a wealth of useful information after nearly two weeks of training camp. The Washington Commanders have one lingering cloud hanging over the franchise, but positivity remains high with joint practices and preseason games on the immediate horizon.

And according to a Commanders insider, there is an undrafted free agent performing well above expectations to give himself a fighting chance of making the 53-man roster.

It's not easy being an undrafted free agent. Most of them only get one shot to prove they belong. Others spend their careers on the practice squad. But there are a select few who manage to achieve great things.

There is still a long way to go, but the Commanders have a couple of lively roster candidates who went unselected during the 2025 NFL Draft.

Car'lin Vigers has momentum heading into crucial Commanders camp challenges

Wide receiver Ja'Corey Brooks started camp well but remains a work in progress. Zach Selby from the team's website also lauded the contribution made by defensive back Car'lin Vigers, who's got some work ahead but could make the squad if sufficient progress is made.

Selby commented that Vigers needs to finish off plays with more conviction to take the next step. He also noted how important Washington's joint practices with the New England Patriots will be for his overall outlook.

"[Car'lin] Vigers' biggest issue right now is being able to finish plays. There have been a few occasions where Vigers has had passes hit him in the hands only to bounce out of his grasp. He could also be a little better in terms of preventing penalties, as he was called for a hold on Gallup earlier in the week. However, Vigers has good size (6-foot-2, 200 pounds) and shows strong instincts. The joint practice with the Patriots will be a big test for him, but there's enough there to be encouraged about his development."

Nobody is getting too carried away. At the same time, Vigers couldn't be doing much more to force the issue.

Vigers, who also caught the eye over Washington's offseason program, has the size and physical profile Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. love in their defensive backs. The cornerback room has five locks to make the squad, but there might be room for the former Louisiana-Monroe standout if he continues his upward trajectory.

As Selby mentioned, there's nothing like legitimate NFL competition to raise Vigers' stock. Going up against the Patriots next week will be the first challenge. After that, it's all about shining when live-fire reps come his way in the preseason.

It could still go either way. But Vigers' progress will be worth monitoring closely in the coming days with momentum on his side.

More Commanders news and analysis