Some high-profile veterans and fledgling stars have taken center stage in the wide receiver unit this offseason. However, there is also one unheralded pass-catcher who's eager to make an impression on the Washington Commanders in 2025.
Adam Peters worked tirelessly to bolster the supporting cast around quarterback Jayden Daniels throughout his second recruitment period at the helm. The general manager was aggressive in the pursuit of achieving this objective. Some outstanding additions came into the ranks, so there should be no excuses for more improvements when the campaign begins.
Places are limited, and competition for places is fierce in the wide receiver room. Deebo Samuel Sr. and Jaylin Lane have shaken things up considerably. That'll make it difficult for anyone else looking to stake a claim lower down the depth chart, but that doesn't mean it's impossible by any stretch of the imagination.
Ja'Corey Brooks continues to impress over Commanders' early workouts
Ja'Corey Brooks is doing his best to shift the narrative over his early transition. The physically gifted wide receiver didn't hear his name called during the 2025 NFL Draft, but the Commanders moved swiftly to secure his services when the undrafted free-agent frenzy began. Looking at his seamless ability to adjust, it's not hard to see why.
Brooks is athletic and mobile with vice-like hands capable of making tough catches look simple. One video of the former Louisville standout catching passes from Daniels at OTAs only whetted the appetite further among fans.
It'll take much more than this to make the 53-man roster. The margin for error is non-existent for Brooks, but he's off to a promising start nonetheless. What comes next is more important, so performing well when the stakes get higher is crucial.
Terry McLaurin, Samuel, Lane, Noah Brown, and Luke McCaffrey will probably make the squad barring a seismic shift. Michael Gallup has intrigue attached to his outlook after coming out of retirement. K.J. Osborn will fancy his chances of getting more involved after arriving late in the 2024 campaign. That makes it extremely tough for Brooks (or anyone else) to force the issue.
All Brooks can do is perform well, build trust with Daniels, and seize opportunities when they arise. If that's not enough to make the Commanders' initial 53-man roster, it could be enough for another team to scoop him up or secure his spot on Washington's practice squad.
That would be an achievement in itself, although Brooks is aiming much higher at this juncture.
