1 week Ago By Commanders Wire
The 2025 NFL draft has come to an end, but the Washington Commanders are not done building their roster. After the draft ends, all 32 NFL teams get to work on signing undrafted free agents with hopes of making the roster. Here's a look at the most impactful signings the Commanders made after the draft.
Robert McDaniel, DB, Jackson StateRobert McDaniel is a name Washington fans should know, as the team was heavily tied to the Jackson State safety during the draft process. The Commanders met with McDaniel at the HBCU Combine and hosted him for a dinner before the draft as well. The 6-foot-2, 211-pound HBCU standout has position versatility with his size on defense as a strong safety in the box and out in coverage, and even lined up as a corner in the slot, and outside as well.
McDaniel displays excellent IQ to read and react to plays as they develop, and plays with a physical style of play that pops on film. Dane Brugler from The Athletic says that Robert McDaniel has some Talanoa Hufanga in his game, who Adam Peters drafted in the 5th round when he was with the 49ers. Washington lacks depth in the safety room, and McDaniel has a real chance to make the team and earn playing time.
Tim McKay, OL, NC StateTim McKay was projected to be a mid-round draft selection before he unfortunately tore his pectoral muscle at his pro day. McKay was one of the more experienced offensive line prospects in the draft, with 2,784 career snaps at NC State. The former Wolfpack lineman started as the starting right tackle, then transitioned to his more natural position of right guard in 2023, where he finished with 1,151 snaps inside.
In his two years at right guard, McKay only allowed two total sacks and five hits on his quarterback. McKay can heal from his pec injury and give Washington a depth spot on the offensive line, which is pretty thin right now.Car'Lin Vigers, CB, Louisiana-MonroeCar'Lin Vigers is another player Washington got to know when they hosted the prospect before the draft.
Vigers is a lengthy 6-foot-1 corner with arms just under 33". The standout corner is a press-man corner who has the speed to travel with wide receivers on deep routes, and stick in coverage throughout routes across the field. Car'Lin Vigers went toe-to-toe with 1st round draft pick wide receiver Matthew Golden, and only allowed 19 yards in coverage according to PFF.
Washington has rebuilt the cornerback room over the last two seasons, but Vigers is the type of Dan Quinn corner who can fight for a roster spot, or at the very least, a practice squad spot.Ricky Barber, DT, UCFRicky Barber is an experienced defensive tackle who brings a lot of juice on the defensive line and has a knack for getting to the quarterback. I came away really impressed by Barber after checking out his film, and he was a standout player at the Hula Bowl this offseason.
Barber finished with 16 sacks, 34 hits, 73 hurries, and 123 pressures in his last 5 years of his college career. He uses a nasty bull rush to get past interior offensive linemen and stops the run with force on the way to the quarterback. The Commanders have some bodies on the roster at the defensive tackle position, but Barber's experience gives him a chance to impress in camp and take one of the spots before the season.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Standout Washington Commanders' undrafted free agents.
