Undrafted rookie turned up heat on Commanders veteran at minicamp

Undrafted free agents face a tough task. That bears more significance for those looking to make their way onto contending teams with high-quality starters and impressive depth across the board.

The Washington Commanders now find themselves in this category after a sensational turnaround under the new regime. That makes things more difficult, but one unheralded rookie is wasting no time in making his presence felt.

Car'lin Vigers was an intriguing arrival once the 2025 NFL Draft concluded. Playing at a small program hurt his stock and he didn't hear his name called. However, the Commanders moved swiftly to bring the versatile defensive back into the fold.

Vigers has the size, scope, and athleticism typically associated with defensive backs in Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s scheme. He's instinctive and physical. He's also capable of playing anywhere across the secondary, which is something the Commanders investigated further over their offseason program.

Car'lin Vigers named as best UDFA chance to make Commanders' roster in 2025

According to those in attendance at Washington's mandatory minicamp, Vigers was deployed on the outside, in the nickel, as a box safety, and even covering on the backend. Better yet, the first-year pro is reportedly handling these responsibilities better than expected.

Lynnell Willingham from 106.7 The Fan stated that of all the UDFAs on Wasington's squad currently, he thought that Vigers had the best chance of making it through. At the very least, he's making players like Kevon Seymour, Bobby Price, and even some of the younger safeties start nervously looking over their shoulders.

It's a positive development from Vigers. The Louisiana-Monroe graduate got himself noticed and built some momentum to take through into training camp. He remains a long shot to make the squad, but he's giving himself a fighting chance.

Vigers needs to keep working hard away from the team. Opportunities with the first string might be limited over the early stages of camp, which is understandable. Gradually coming up the depth chart through enhanced consistency and shining in whatever preseason involvement comes his way is the best possible chance he has of becoming a surprise nobody sees coming.

The Commanders proved that strong performances would be rewarded last summer when they brought UDFAs Tyler Owens and Colston Yankoff onto the roster. Vigers will be hoping for the same, although a place on the practice squad still represents a fine accomplishment right now.

There's no doubt Vigers is aiming for more. And don't be surprised if he starts to unseat some proven veterans from their spots if the same trend continues over camp.