The Washington Commanders had a more relaxed 2025 NFL Draft than in previous years. Adam Peters boasted just five picks and resisted the urge to trade down. He focused on finding quality prospects over moving back for the sake of it. And the returns were promising.
Peters' hard work didn't stop once the draft concluded. The front-office leader was frantically working the phones for undrafted free agents who fit the profile. Washington got two such prospects last year who made the 53-man roster, so it's a stage where rough diamonds can be found.
The Commanders quietly made six new additions to the roster, with more anticipated in the coming days before preparations for the 2025 campaign gather pace. Let's look at which prospects Peters acquired and their potential aspirations.
Commanders sign six undrafted free agents immediately after the 2025 NFL Draft
Tim McKay
- Offensive Line | North Carolina State Wolfpack
The Commanders shelled out decent money for Tim McKay compared to most rookies who fail to hear their names called. Reports suggest he was a hot commodity on the undrafted free-agent market, so those in power must see something in the player that can be molded into more.
There are some athletic limitations where McKay is concerned. However, he's a versatile chess piece with a well-put-together frame and a sound technical platform to build.
Fentrell Cypress II
- Cornerback | Florida State Seminoles
Despite drafting Trey Amos in the second round, the Commanders focused heavily on secondary reinforcements in undrafted free agency. Fentrell Cypress II arguably comes with the most promise, with his competitive edge and knack for being around the football consistently traits that head coach Dan Quinn typically looks for in his defensive backs.
Establishing himself in the cornerback room will be difficult. The Commanders have five all but locked into the roster, so it'll take a huge effort from Cypress or anyone else.
Ricky Barber
- Defensive Line | UCF Knights
Bolstering the defensive trenches went overlooked during the draft. Peters moved swiftly to get Ricky Barber in undrafted free agency, who comes with some solid production in college both as a pass-rusher and against the run.
Knight is a big body capable of absorbing double teams effectively. His output comes in flashes, so adding some consistency to his game with extra urgency will help.
Tre Rucker
- Safety | Oklahoma State Cowboys
Acquiring another safety or two was almost guaranteed after the Commanders failed to pick one up during the draft. Tre Rucker fits the athletic, physical mold of what Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. are trying to build.
The former Oklahoma State standout isn't the biggest, but he's a high-effort player and a relentless force against the run. There are deficiencies in coverage that must be alleviated, so becoming more disciplined and less aggressive could see improvements arrive quickly.
Robert McDaniel
- Defensive Back | Jackson State Tigers
Versatility and physicality center around Robert McDaniel's positive attributes. The Jackson State graduate has experience at the cornerback and safety positions, excelling in both roles for the Tigers. His tackling technique is sound, and opposing pass-catchers found it difficult to create separation against him in 2024.
The level of competition wasn't exactly high, which is probably why McDaniel went undrafted. He's also not the quickest, so it'll be interesting to see how he fares over the summer.
Carlin Vigers
- Cornerback | Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks
Carlin Vigers is a long, rangy cornerback who's flashed promise in both man and zone coverages in college. It's hard to see why he went undrafted when watching his performance levels against UAB and Ole Miss last season.
The Commanders believe his imposing 6-foot-2 frame and decent athleticism warrant further investigation. Putting it all together will be the primary objective.
