Tag: Jordan Magee

Commanders activate rookie linebacker Jordan Magee

The Commanders activate rookie linebacker from IR.

Jordan Magee is planning on making his NFL regular season debut on Sunday.

Wednesday afternoon, the Commanders made the decision: they have activated the rookie linebacker out of Temple.

Unfortunately, Magee injured his knee in the first week of the preseason against the Jets. At the time, the Commanders announced that he would need a procedure, but his injury was not season-ending.

So, Magee is brought on to the roster in preparation for the Week 8 home contest against the Bears. To make room for Magee, the Commanders released Jamin Davis, who was in his fourth season with Washington.

Upon watching Magee’s highlight film prior to the draft, analyst Daniel Jeremiah summed up his analysis of Magee with, “He’s instinctive, twitchy and tough.”

The NFL permits a 21-day workout window for players returning from the Injured Reserve list. Magee’s 21-day window was coming to a conclusion. The Commanders determined to work out Magee testing the knee as often as they could. Had the Commanders chosen not to activate Magee on Wednesday, the league rules state Magee would have been out the remainder of the regular season.

The Commanders list Magee as 6-foot-3, 226 pounds. He was clocked with 4.55 speed and was selected 139th overall in the 2024 NFL draft. He will wear No. 58.

Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner have been the starting linebackers this season. Magee now joins Nick Ballore, Dante Fowler Jr (listed as LB) and Mykal Walker in the linebackers group on the active roster.

There is not currently a linebacker listed on the practice squad. With Magee leaving the injured reserve, those remaining on Injured Reserve are DT Jonathan Allen, WR Jamison Crowder, DE Javontae Jean-Baptiste and DT Norell Pollard.

Three injured Commanders on the way back

Three injured players could be on their way back for the Commanders.

The 3-1 Washington Commanders host the Cleveland Browns on Sunday and could be getting some reinforcements.

The Commanders opened the 21-day practice window for three players who began the season on the reserve/injured list: Quarterback Marcus Mariota, linebacker Jordan Magee and defensive lineman Efe Obada.

Jeff Driskel has been serving as Jayden Daniels’ backup, while Sam Hartman was signed from the practice squad to be the No. 3 quarterback. Once Mariota is activated, Hartman will likely return to the practice squad.

Magee, the fifth-round rookie from Temple, drew rave reviews from coaches and teammates throughout the offseason and training camp before suffering a preseason knee injury. He would become Bobby Wagner’s backup.

Obada, the veteran who has spent the past two seasons with the Commanders, returned on a one-year deal. Obada suffered a gruesome leg injury late last season. He would give the Commanders solid depth and versatility as he can play tackle or end.

Washington has 21 days from Wednesday to either activate the three players or place them on season-ending injured reserve.

In another move from Wednesday, the Commanders placed veteran wide receiver Jamison Crowder on the reserve/injured list.

Commanders rookie linebacker Jordan Magee injured his knee against the Jets

The promising rookie was injured in the preseason opener.

While he didn’t receive the headlines of some other members in Washington’s 2024 rookie class, fifth-round linebacker Jordan Magee had everyone’s attention in the spring.

A multi-year starter at Temple, Magee was what head coach assistant general manager Lance Newmark called an “organizational pick” because everyone who watched him wanted him.

Shortly after arriving in Ashburn, Magee impressed his coaches and teammates, including future Hall of Fame linebacker Bobby Wagner.

Unfortunately, Magee injured his knee in Saturday’s preseason opener against the New York Jets. Head coach Dan Quinn gave injury updates in his Monday press conference and mentioned Magee.

“One other setback we had was Jordan Magee; he had injured his knee in the game; we’re going to get some more testing and that kind of stuff, so that was a bummer for sure,” Quinn said. “I thought he was off to a good start; I’m hopeful, but we’ll see what the rest of the day and tomorrow looks like as well, but he’ll be out this week for sure.”

That’s certainly a bummer for Magee. He was listed as the backup at middle linebacker to Wagner on the depth chart. The team could be waiting for Magee’s MRI results before determining how long he could be out.

He was set to play a significant role on special teams this season.

Hype around Commanders LB Jordan Magee continues to grow

More praise for rookie linebacker Jordan Magee.

The Washington Commanders believed they found a steal with linebacker Jordan Magee. A fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft from Temple, Magee quickly took advantage of being on the same team as future Hall of Famer Bobby Wagner.

Throughout the spring and now into training camp, players and coaches have praised Magee, including Wagner. While Washington has Wagner and Frankie Luvu as the starters in 2024, Magee appears to have moved past Jamin Davis on the linebacker depth chart. Davis has worked mostly with the edge rushers.

Before Sunday’s training camp practice, head coach Dan Quinn heaped more praise on Magee:

“I’d say the speed and athleticism is what jumps out to me,” Quinn said about Magee. “He’s got a rare quickness and short-area burst to him that the really good linebackers have. He plays square and he’s got real speed, so we’re going to push him hard in those spaces. But he’s off to an excellent start.”

In addition to working at linebacker, Magee has also worked as a pass rusher this summer. Quinn likes versatile linebackers, and Magee fits the bill. Check out what one Temple coach said to Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy last year about Magee:

There isn’t a ton of pressure on Magee this season. He needs to focus on special teams and learn as much as he can from Wagner and Luvu. If Quinn, general manager Adam Peters, and others are right about Magee, he could prove to be one of the 2024 draft’s top steals.

It will be interesting to watch Magee in the preseason.

 

Commanders unanimous in their evaluation of rookie linebacker Jordan Magee

Everyone in Washington’s organization believes LB Jordan Magee was a steal.

New Washington general manager Adam Peters wanted to bring some of the things he did in San Francisco, where he served as assistant general manager, to the Commanders.

One of those things is the “Commanders Caucus,” where Peters assembles all of Washington’s executives, coaches, and scouts into one room and gives each one the opportunity to advocate for one lesser-known prospect, according to Sam Fortier of The Washington Post.

When the group convened in April during the NFL draft, the decision was unanimous on the prospect: Temple linebacker Jordan Magee. Therefore, the Commanders used the No. 139 overall pick (fifth round) on Magee.

Assistant general manager Lance Newkirk called it the “ultimate organizational pick.”

Here’s more from Newmark, per Fortier.

“When we met on [Magee], his film and the conversation opened a lot of people’s eyes,” Newmark said. “He really kind of burst on the scene for us.”

Magee became a three-year starter for the Owls and entered the draft. Magee posted good numbers at the NFL combine, which only confirmed what the Commanders saw on his college film. 

Since being drafted, coaches and veteran players have praised Magee. The rookie has wisely taken advantage of the opportunity of having future Hall of Famer Bobby Wagner as a mentor.

Newmark told Fortier that one person every department spoke up for Magee and that the Commanders, who were without a fourth-round pick, “sweated for a couple of hours” until they were able to get Magee in the fifth round.

Magee has a massive opportunity in front of him. He doesn’t need to play on defense this season, but instead follow Wagner around everywhere and take advantage of his snaps on special teams.

If it wasn’t evident before, the Commanders believe they found a steal with Magee.

 

Commanders rookie linebacker named most surprising player during OTAs/minicamp

Washington’s rookie linebacker had an impressive spring.

The Washington Commanders went from having the NFL’s worst linebacking unit in 2023 to one that some consider the best in 2024.

Washington’s fortunes changed in March when it signed Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu in free agency. Wagner, a future Hall of Famer, can still play but was also brought to Washington to mentor the younger players. He appreciates this role.

Luvu comes to the Commanders in the prime of his career. Many believe he was one of free agency’s most underrated signings and could become a star playing for Dan Quinn.

So, while all eyes are on Wagner and Luvu, the Commanders also have a rookie linebacker. Washington used a fifth-round pick on Temple linebacker Jordan Magee. While some fifth-round picks are considered projects, there was excitement surrounding Magee.

Magee’s name kept coming up throughout the spring as a player who had impressed coaches. He’s wisely attached himself to Wagner, too.

ESPN recently named one player who surprised from each team throughout the OTAs and minicamp. John Keim chose Magee.

It’s uncertain how much playing time Magee will receive this season. But the fifth-round pick clearly made a strong first impression — enough to where a position of weakness the past several years can now be considered a strength. The Commanders signed starters Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu in free agency. They already had Jamin Davis, but because of the newcomers they’re trying him as an edge rusher. Magee is part of the reason for the optimism. They like how he played in coverage this spring; they also believe he showed he can be an effective blitzer. He’s someone they’re excited about for the future. “He doesn’t carry himself like a rookie,” defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. said. “You would not know that with the way he handles himself, the way he absorbs information. He doesn’t [make] a lot of mistakes.”

Magee is in an excellent position. The Commanders do not need him on defense in 2024. Magee can learn under Wagner while helping Washington out on special teams.

The previous staff either ignored the linebacker position or didn’t know how to find one. In the first year under general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn, the Commanders have the best linebackers they’ve had in years and haven’t even stepped on the field yet. You can add Magee to Washington’s reasons for optimism.

Commanders rookie Jordan Magee understands opportunity in front of him

Rookie linebacker Jordan Magee excited about learning under Bobby Wagner.

It’s not how you start, but Commanders rookie Jordan Magee said all the right things last week.

Magee, drafted in round five (139) out of Temple, sat down with Bryan Colbert Jr. recently as Colbert continued to interview all the rookies drafted by the Commanders in April.

So often rookies talk about how much they are going to accomplish, but Magee seems to have an understanding that it is not going to be easy in the NFL.

“I am learning from one of the best coaching staffs in the entire NFL; I’m taking it all in but continuing to work hard.”

Back at home with family and close friends in Delaware, Magee received a phone call on Day 3 of the NFL draft. “All those people in that room played an important part in my life…to have them with me through that journey was priceless.”

His linebacker coach is Ken Norton Jr, and Magee is thankful. “I am happy to learn from him and pick his brain from what he has done over the years…what he was and what he’s continuing to bring to the game.”

Also, Magee has the opportunity to learn from fellow linebacker Bobby Wagner a future Hall of Famer. He spoke of learning aspects from Wagner like, “How do you take on a blocker, how do you learn this play, mindset things, technique things, things that helped him stay in the league a long time.”

Magee also doesn’t seem to over-evaluate himself. He didn’t expect to be drafted until Day 3, “I knew it was coming up soon, but the Commanders were the team with the least communication throughout the draft process, so it was crazy that they gave me that call and changed my life.”

Magee told Colbert that he was not highly recruited by the big football schools. When he arrived at Temple, he was the tenth linebacker on their depth chart.

He expressed that he knows he will be learning and making mistakes, but he understands he must give 100 percent effort to fly around making plays.

When asked about his goals, it was refreshing to hear his response. “I haven’t done anything yet. I haven’t made the 53-man roster…help the team out wherever they need it, like special teams. I love special teams.”

The rookie seems to have his expectations in the right place, which should help him get off to a good start this summer.

Watch highlights of Commanders rookie LB Jordan Magee

Jordan Magee’s college highlights.

For several years, the Washington Commanders have largely neglected the linebacker position. This was a curious decision, considering the former head coach (Ron Rivera) and defensive coordinator (Jack Del Rio) were longtime ex-NFL linebackers.

General manager Adam Peters and new head coach Dan Quinn took one look at the previous linebacker room and knew it needed an overhaul. Jamin Davis is back, but even his role is uncertain.

On the first two days of free agency, the Commanders struck deals with Frankie Luvu (Carolina) and future Hall of Famer Bobby Wagner. Luvu has been named as one of the NFL’s best signings, while Wagner will wear many hats for Washington. In addition to being a terrific player, Wagner’s leadership is exactly what this new regime needs to show a retooled roster.

In the 2024 NFL draft, the Commanders chose a linebacker for the future in Jordan Magee from Temple. Magee was a three-year starter for the Owls, leading the team in tackles during his final two seasons. Magee has average size (6-foot-1, 228) and excellent speed, but his college production and playing style made him an ideal pick for Quinn and Washington.

Remember when new defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. said the following:

“The way that we live is not for everybody,” Whitt said. “It’s not. We’re going to run and put our bodies on people in a violent manner.”

That fits Magee to a tee. He can immediately help on special teams and push for a more significant role in the future.

Here are some of Magee’s college highlights.

And more:

Commanders sign 4 members of their rookie class

The Commanders signed four members of their rookie class.

The Washington Commanders opened their rookie minicamp on Friday and handled some business beforehand.

The Commanders drafted nine players in last month’s 2024 NFL draft and signed four of those rookies on Friday.

Wide receiver Luke McCaffrey (third round), linebacker Jordan Magee (fifth round), safety Dominique Hampton (fifth round) and defensive Javontae Jean-Baptiste (seventh round) all signed their rookie four-year contracts.

McCaffrey, the No. 100 overall pick out of Rice, began his college career as a quarterback at Nebraska. He transferred to Rice where he played the last two seasons as a wide receiver. McCaffrey is the younger brother of 49ers star Christian McCaffrey.

Magee was a three-year starter for Temple and will learn under the legendary Bobby Wagner as a rookie.

Hampton, an intriguing size/speed prospect from Washington, looks like the perfect Dan Quinn developmental player. Jean-Baptiste, who played five years at Ohio State and his final year at Notre Dame, became a starter and developed into a draftable prospect with his length and athleticism.

The Commanders will now turn their attention to signing Jayden Daniels, Johnny Newton, Mike Sainristil, Ben Sinnott and Brandon Coleman.

Jordan Magee named Commanders’ best sleeper pick in 2024 NFL draft

More love for Commanders rookie LB Jordan Magee.

The Washington Commanders made nine selections in the 2024 NFL draft. The big news out of Washington was the selection of quarterback Jayden Daniels at No. 2 overall.

However, the Commanders crushed Day 2 of the draft, coming away with five players, led by second-round picks Johnny Newton, Mike Sainristil and Ben Sinnott.

Washington had only three selections on Day 3, focusing on developmental prospects. One of those prospects, Temple linebacker Jordan Magee, looks like the perfect Dan Quinn linebacker.

Doug Farrar of Touchdown Wire recently named a sleeper from all 32 NFL draft classes, and Magee was his pick for the Commanders.

Here’s what Farrar said about Magee:

Under new head coach and defensive shot-caller Dan Quinn, the Commanders had already picked a couple of first-round talents who lasted until the second round in Illinois interior defensive lineman Johnny Newton and Michigan cornerback Mike Sainristil. Given the off-season signings of Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu, it wasn’t a surprise that linebacker wasn’t a key priority, but with the 139th pick in the fourth round, Washington did take Temple’s Jordan Magee as a move ‘backer who can roll quickly all over the defense.

A do-it-all player, Magee had six sacks and 20 total pressures for the Owls last season, as well as 54 solo tackles, 41 stops, and 12 catches allowed on 16 targets for 85 yards, 41 yards after the catch, no touchdowns, no interceptions, two pass breakups, and an opponent passer rating of 86.7. He’s not unlike Luvu, who has become one of the NFL’s best linebackers in three years with the Jets and three more with the Panthers. Luvu was a “too small” guy who went undrafted out of Washington State back in 2018, so maybe he can tell the 6′ 1⅜”, 228-pound Magee that it’s not how you start, it’s where you finish.

Bobby Wagner is a future Hall of Famer who will likely only be in Washington for a short time. Quinn wanted Wagner because he remains an excellent player and can teach the younger players how to win and be professionals. Quinn no doubt hopes Wagner rubs off on Magee.