Commanders' UDFA signing sparks dire warning for Luke McCaffrey

The Washington Commanders are raising standards and increasing competition across the board. Their latest forage into undrafted free agency sparked a dire warning for Luke McCaffrey entering his second preparation period.

McCaffrey flashed promise last season. He wasn't involved as much as fans hoped, but there was enough there to enthuse. That didn't stop Adam Peters from acquiring similar players who could potentially provide an upgrade.

Jaylin Lane is the obvious one. Ja'Corey Brooks wasn't fortunate enough to hear his name called, but the Commanders saw something in the pass-catcher to warrant further investigation throughout the offseason.

NFL analyst believes Luke McCaffrey faces a fight for his Commanders roster spot

Douglas Fritz from Clutch Points believes Brooks has what it takes to make life extremely uncomfortable for the likes of McCaffrey and Michael Gallup. He even suggested last year's third-round pick could become surplus to requirements when it's all said and done.

He’s unlikely to become a starter, but could be good enough to give Gallup and McCaffrey a run for their money. He may only need to beat out McCaffrey to win a roster spot. McCaffrey’s first NFL season was forgettable as he totaled only 18 catches for 168 yards and no touchdowns. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Commanders part ways with the third-round pick if Brooks passes him on the depth chart. They have similar size, and Brooks has the deep ability McCaffrey doesn’t possess.Douglas Fritz

Brooks is a big-bodied wideout at 6-foot-2. He's also got the speed and wingspan to create mismatches anywhere along the line of scrimmage.

He looked like a prospect of promise at Alabama in 2022, gaining 674 receiving yards and eight touchdowns to help Bryce Young secure the Heisman Trophy. Injury and falling out of favor meant the player transferred to Louisville, where Brooks gained over 1,000 receiving yards to restore his reputation.

It raises urgency for McCaffrey. Still, it would be a bombshell of epic proportions if he wasn't included on the Commanders' 53-man roster by the time Week 1 rolls around.

McCaffrey is still learning the position. He didn't generate many targets last season, but his separation numbers were positive enough. There was also a lot to like about his ability in the return game down the stretch and into the playoffs. That's a solid foundation from which to build, so the new additions could bring more from the Rice graduate when push comes to shove.

Brooks will be striving with everything he has to make an impression. He's starting from the bottom, so the margin for error is razor-thin. Making a good impression is the first step. After that, it's proving he belongs among those who achieved so much during the previous campaign.

After that, anything is possible. And McCaffrey cannot get complacent in pursuit of raised responsibilities as an NFL sophomore.