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The Washington Commanders, despite having an outstanding group of wide receivers led by Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel, could have a couple of roster spots up for grabs at the position this summer in training camp.
Gone is Cam Sims. Sims was with the Commanders for several years as a key special teams performer and always delivering when his number was called on offense. He signed with the Raiders in March.
Washington signed Marcus Kemp from the Kansas City Chiefs and return Dax Milne, a 2021 seventh-round selection. Dyami Brown appears safe as Washington’s No. 4 wide receiver, meaning the Commanders could keep two more receivers ahead of Week 1.
Milne and Kemp could fill those spots, but so could a pair of undrafted free agents. We’ve discussed Kazmeir Allen, who looks to be a top candidate to become Washington’s top returner ahead of Milne. However, we’ve also frequently mentioned former Penn State wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley, who also signed with the Commanders as a priority free agent.
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report recently named each team’s most exciting undrafted free agent and picked Tinsley for the Commanders.
Taking a slot receiver out of Penn State worked well for the Commanders when they took Jahan Dotson last season. Why not give it another shot?
Dotson showcased some promise catching seven touchdowns as a rookie. Meanwhile, Western Kentucky transfer Mitchell Tinsley was taking over the role of slot receiver in Penn State’s offense.
Tinsley didn’t put up the same gaudy numbers. But he led the Nittany Lions with 51 receptions for 577 yards and five touchdowns.
It’s also worth noting he was prolific when playing with Bailey Zappe at Western Kentucky. He posted 87 receptions for 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Tinsley is a little on the small side at 6’0″, 199 pounds, but he is sudden in his breaks and showcased his agility with a 6.7 three-cone time. His ability to shake defenders with his route running should pave the way for him to make an impression in practices and battle for a roster spot.
Tinsley must prove he can contribute to special teams to earn a roster spot but don’t count him out.