Tag: Rachad Wildgoose

6 Commanders to watch in preseason finale vs. Bengals

Here are six offensive players who could force their way on the 53-man roster with a strong showing in the preseason finale.

The Washington Commanders host the Cincinnati Bengals Saturday in the final preseason game for both teams. The Bengals will not play any of their starters, while the Commanders will play only a select few starters.

Head coach Ron Rivera didn’t confirm which starters would play. Quarterback Sam Howell will not play and veteran Jacoby Brissett will get the start. Brissett will play around a quarter before departing, allowing Jake Fromm the opportunity to finish the game.

This game represents the final opportunity for those players on the roster bubble to impress coaches and either earn a spot on the 53-man roster, or the practice squad.

There aren’t a lot of openings on the 53-man roster. However, the bottom of the depth chart at some positions, such as wide receiver, defensive end and the offensive line remain unsettled.

We’ve identified six bubble players with something to prove Saturday. We didn’t include players like defensive Andre Jones Jr. because we believe he’s already made the roster.

The NFL’s 11 best slot defenders

Doug Farrar continues his positional lists of the NFL’s best players with the 11 best slot defenders heading into the 2023 NFL season.

In the 2022 NFL season, defenses played nickel (five defensive backs) on 12,630 opponent passing attempts. Defenses played dime (six defensive backs) on 2,715 opponent dropbacks. With just 3,206 opponent dropbacks against four defensive backs last season, base defense is no longer base defense — nickel is the new base, and has been for some time.

Moreover, the influx of three-safety looks in the NFL has increased, as has the specific “big nickel” looks with three safeties and two cornerbacks.

[mm-video type=video id=01h3nen5mz8n99b3g7mn playlist_id=none player_id=none image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01h3nen5mz8n99b3g7mn/01h3nen5mz8n99b3g7mn-e2752db3667fa5492e1ed16bdf6aef38.jpg]

The point of this preamble? That slot defenders are more important than they’ve ever been. Whether it’s in a more traditional nickel or dime look with just one slot defender, or defenses aligning two slot defenders to the strong side of the 3×1 formation, slot defenders aren’t just pre-emptive starters anymore — they’re integral parts of modern defenses, and good luck having a great defense without at least one.

Slot defenders have their own skill sets. It’s not like it was 20 years ago, when the smallest, slowest defensive back on a roster was relegated to the slot. Now, those guys need to have the coverage skills of cornerbacks, the run-stopping abilities of strong safeties, and the blitz instincts of linebackers.

It’s a fascinating gig.

As Greg Cosell of NFL Films and ESPN’s NFL Matchup said in this week’s edition of the “Xs and Os” podcast/video, the requirements for top-tier slot defenders make it a unique position.

The Xs and Os with Greg Cosell: Building the perfect secondary

[mm-video type=video id=01h3ezehnvbhc6zn5zje playlist_id=none player_id=none image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01h3ezehnvbhc6zn5zje/01h3ezehnvbhc6zn5zje-63aa4dab2bc28e1359493087e50d995a.jpg]

“Slot defenders are an interesting breed. They can come in all shapes and sizes. They can be smaller, like Mike Hilton, who I think is one of the best slot defenders in the league. They can be bigger; it depends on what you want. But think of it this way — I know the numbers might be going down a bit, but teams line up in 11 personnel [one running back, one tight end, three receivers] a majority of the time. And teams are playing out of 11 personnel on first down — on second-and-3. What we consider normal down-and-distance situations where the run game is part of the offense. It’s not jst a third-down situation.

“Your slot defender is not just a pass defender. Your slot defender has to be able to defend the run, because there are a lot of teams that run toward the slot defender, because they know he’s not as good a run defender as you’d see running to the other side, where you might have bigger bodies. He also has to be part of pressure schemes. How often do we see slot defenders in today’s NFL as blitzers?

“So, not only do you have to play man coverage against receivers who have a two-way go, you also have to play underneath zone coverage, which is different than playing underneath zone coverage if you’re an outside cornerback. There are different rules, because zones all have their own rules.”

As has been the case with other defensive backs on this year’s list, the transfer of power from season to season is inconsistent, at best. Just two slot defenders from last year’s list — Derwin James and Kyle Dugger — made it in the 2023 group. Sometimes, that was about positional changes; other times, the performances from last year’s top slot defenders were simply eclipsed by the new guys.

No matter how you slice it, it’s tough to be a great slot defender in today’s NFL, and here are out 11 best heading into the 2023 season.

The NFL’s 11 best cornerbacks
The NFL’s 11 best safeties

(All advanced metrics courtesy of Pro Football Focus and Sports Info Solutions unless otherwise indicated). 

Commanders cornerback Rachad Wildgoose excelled in limited opportunities in 2022

Does Wildgoose have a shot at making Washington’s roster at a suddenly deep position?

[connatix div_id=”3f8b015acdd24c648befc5d5dac47469″ player_id=”afe1e038-d3c2-49c0-922d-6511a229f69c” cid=”7cbcea0d-4ce2-4c75-9a8d-fbe02a192c24″]

The Washington Commanders badly needed cornerback depth ahead of the 2022 NFL season. When the Buffalo Bills waived cornerback Rachad Wildgoose during final cuts, the Commanders pounced, claiming Wildgoose and adding him to the 53-man roster ahead of Week 1.

Wildgoose initially played special teams during the season’s first two weeks. In Week 3 against Philadelphia, Wildgoose played 48 snaps on defense. After playing primarily on special teams again in Week 4 at Dallas, Wildgoose would receive a more prominent role on defense beginning in Week 5.

Over the next three games, Wildgoose played in the slot for Washington, and he played well. Wildgoose played no less than 52% of Washington’s defensive snaps for those three weeks.

Unfortunately, in a Week 8 win at Indianapolis, Wildgoose struggled. From that moment forward, the Commanders turned to Danny Johnson, and Wildgoose would play just two defensive snaps for the remainder of the season.

But should Wildgoose have been permanently benched on defense?

Wildgoose is 22 and did some good things at a difficult position. For a team needing cornerback help, Wildgoose is worth another look. The bad news is the Commanders used their first two picks on defensive backs in Emmanuel Forbes and Quan Martin.

How good was Wildgoose in his limited chances last season?

According to Pro Football Focus, Wildgoose was ranked No. 2 in the NFL passer rating allowed by a slot corner in 2022.

The player had to have 100 or more coverage snaps when in the slot to qualify.

Here’s PFF’s assessment of Wildgoose last season:

  • NFL passer rating allowed: 56.5
  • Slot coverage snaps: 114

The former sixth-round selection has played sparingly to this point in his young NFL career. Last season, he saw his most work, manning the slot role at times for the Commanders. Though he only started in three games, Wildgoose showed some flashes.

He had a two-week stretch against Tennessee and Chicago where he posted back-to-back 79.9 and 77.7 coverage grades. In those outings, Wildgoose was targeted three times and allowed just one catch for 10 yards while breaking up a pass. On just 196 total snaps, Wildgoose allowed under 100 yards and zero touchdowns in his first season with actual playing time.

Washington has three locks at cornerback: Kendall Fuller, Benjamin St-Juste and Forbes. Johnson is close to a lock as well, as he was an unsung hero for Washington’s defense in 2022. Martin can play corner or slot; regardless, he’s a lock, which leaves the Commanders potentially keeping one more cornerback.

Wildgoose has a battle to make Washington’s roster in 2023. He’s likely competing with Christian Holmes and Tariq Castro-Fields for one spot. Don’t count Wildgoose out.

Commanders re-sign two defensive players for 2023

More depth signings for Washington’s defense and special teams.

The Washington Commanders made two roster moves Tuesday.

Following applying the franchise tag to defensive tackle Daron Payne, the Commanders then signed LB Milo Eifler and CB Rachad Wildgoose to one-year contract extensions for the 2023 season.

Eifler came to Washington in December of 2021, having been signed to the Dolphins practice squad and later released. In March of 2022, the Commanders re-signed Eifler; however, he was injured and placed on injured reserve in October.

November 25, Eifler was activated again to the roster and is perhaps best remembered for his tackle in the season finale on a botched Dallas punt.

The 6-foot-1 228-pound linebacker appeared in 3 games in the 2021 season and 10 games during the 2022 season. He played his college ball first at the University of Washington before transferring to Illinois.

Wildgoose was waived by the Jets and quickly claimed by the Commanders on Aug. 31, 2022. Wildgoose had appeared in only 5 games for the Jets in 2021; however, the Commanders played him in 15 games in 2022, as he was in on 195 defensive snaps and 90 special teams snaps.

The 5-foot-11, 197-pound cornerback played his college ball at Wisconsin before the Bills drafted him in the 6th round (213 overall) of the 2021 NFL draft.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

Commanders rule out St-Juste and Milne vs. Falcons

Losing Benjamin St-Juste and Dax Milne for Sunday creates two big openings for the Commanders. How will they replace them?

Friday was a not a good news day for the Washington Commanders.

The team ruled out both Benjamin St-Juste and Dax Milne for Sunday’s game against the Falcons.

Naturally, the first thought that comes to mind is the size of Falcons receiver Drake London. St-Juste certainly has the most size and best range of any of the Commanders defensive backs. The loss of St-Juste against the Falcons should not be minimized.

Of note, the team elevated corner Danny Johnson from the practice squad on Oct. 24 and Johnson has seen action in each game from Weeks 8-11. Johnson only played two defensive snaps against the Colts and none against the Eagles. However, he was in on 50 defensive snaps against the Vikings and 11 last week in Houston. So, Johnson is the likely candidate to see more action against the Falcons.

Corner Rachad Wildgoose has not seen action on defense since the Colts game and rookie corner Christian Holmes has seen only special teams action this year, with the lone exception being six snaps on defense against the Eagles in Week 3.

Washington does have three other defensive backs on their practice squad, were they to determine to elevate one up to the roster this week. Corn Elder has seen regular season action with the Panthers (2018-20) and last season with Washington. Texas Tech rookie Damarcus Fields saw action for the Saints on special teams in two games earlier this season and was signed to the Commanders’ practice squad on Oct. 26.

Troy Apke was released from the practice squad, but brought back to the squad this season and has the most regular-season game experience of those available to be elevated to the roster.

With Milne being out Sunday, possibly rookie Jahan Dotson will be called upon to return punts. Dotson started out quite well, with four receiving touchdowns in the first four games, but pulled a hamstring and missed the next five consecutive games.

The Commanders did receive some good news Friday. Defensive end James Smith-Williams who is producing his finest year thus far in 2022, had been out of practice with an illness, but he returned Friday and is expected to play against the Falcons.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=none image=https://commanderswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

Commanders cornerback Rachad Wildgoose a pleasant surprise in Week 7

Rachad Wildgoose making the most of his opportunity.

The Washington Commanders desperately need cornerback help. When Washington finalized its initial 53-man roster ahead of the season, fans noticed a dearth of experienced cornerbacks.

Once final cuts were made, the Commanders added two young cornerbacks off waivers in Tariq Castro-Fields [San Francisco 49ers] and Rachad Wildgoose [New York Jets]. Both of their teams had hoped to sign Castro-Fields and Wildgoose back to their respective practice squads, but the Commanders saw something in the pair.

Head coach Ron Rivera praised each of the corners and noted that Wildgoose could play some slot for Washington.

Several weeks later and it appears that Wildgoose has taken over as Washington’s slot corner. Veteran starter William Jackson III struggled and was benched. He reportedly wants out. That meant second-year cornerback Benjamin St-Juste, who was playing inside, moved to the outside to replace Jackson, and he has played well.

In Washington’s Week 6 win over the Bears, Wildgoose played 50 defensive snaps, 33 of which he was in coverage, according to Pro Football Focus. He was targeted twice, allowed just one reception and finished with six tackles. PFF gave him a 74.8 overall grade and a 77.7 grade in coverage. He was Washington’s No. 3-graded defensive player in Week 6.

This comes following his performance in Week 5 in which he was also the Commanders’ No. 3-ranked defensive player.

Wildgoose was a sixth-round pick in 2021 out of Wisconsin. He improved in each of his collegiate seasons but missed most of his final season with a shoulder injury. The Bills drafted him but cut him in training camp and signed him to their practice squad. Later that season, the Jets signed him to their active roster but released him this summer during their final cuts.

Wildgoose’s scouting report from NFL.com lists some of his strengths, which match up well with the slot cornerback position.

  • Feet for early mirror of release
  • Gives out rough rides for the first five yards
  • Quick to close distance on receiver early in route
  • Extremely physical and flusters the catch space
  • Short-area stickiness to hound the comeback route

Wildgoose is also a physical defender, evidenced by his work against the Titans in the running game in Week 5.

Perhaps the Commanders found a future starter in Wildgoose. It will be interesting to follow his development throughout the remainder of the season.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=none image=https://commanderswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

Commanders waiver claims: The one time they struck gold

Washington has struck gold with waivers before. Could it happen again with either of the new cornerbacks?

What benefit will the Commanders receive from claiming two cornerbacks off of waivers last week?

Yes, the reality is both Rachad Wildgoose and Tariq Castro-Fields were not valued as the top 53 players on their respective teams. Consequently, Wildgoose was let go by the Jets and Castro-Fields by the 49ers.

Did you notice head coach Ron Rivera looked to GM Martin Mayhew while admitting, “I think he’s (Wildgoose) a second-year player from the Jets,” and Mayhew confirmed that was correct.

It illustrates the league has too many players out there for a head coach to know everyone available. This is why you hire scouts and rely on Mayhew and Marty Hurney. One man cannot do it all, nor should he attempt to.

Mayhew himself was a good corner in the NFL with Washington (1989-92) and Tampa Bay (1993-96). You don’t last in the NFL eight seasons (starting the vast majority of your games) unless you know much about the position and are a great athlete.

Mayhew spoke highly of Washington’s new corners. After all, would anyone else in the organization know as much about what it takes to play corner as Mayhew?

Most of the time you claim a player off waivers, and he reminds you why he was on waivers. But then there are times the guy was maturing and blossomed when provided another opportunity.

Such was the case when Washington drafted an offensive tackle in the 11th round (272 overall). It didn’t work out, he went to Kansas City, but they waived him a month later.

The next season the Cowboys claimed him, but he didn’t impress enough there either and was waived during the preseason. The very next day Washington claimed him off waivers, hoping it would work for him the second time around. 28 days later, they again waived him.

Thinking he could play, they tried again a third season. He broke through, making the roster, even starting 7 games. His fourth season he started every game, playing well enough he started at right tackle for 12 consecutive seasons.

When he retired he had played in 156 games (all for Washington) starting 146. He had become good enough to be the starting right tackle for 6 Redskins playoff teams, 2 Super Bowl teams and 1 Super Bowl championship team.

He deservedly became an original member of “The Hogs,” and the Washington football organization does not regret having claimed George Starke off of waivers.

 

Rivera, Mayhew excited about Washington’s two new young cornerbacks

Ron Rivera and Martin Mayhew are big fans of Washington’s two new cornerbacks.

When the Washington Commanders announced their first 53-man roster of the season on Tuesday, it included only four cornerbacks. And one of those cornerbacks was a seventh-round rookie, Christian Holmes.

No way the Commanders were going into the season with only four cornerbacks, right?

Washington head coach Ron Rivera was asked about the cornerback position on Tuesday and responded, “we are not done,” referring to his roster.

On Wednesday, the Commanders claimed a pair of cornerbacks off waivers in Tariq Castro-Fields and Rachad Wildgoose. Castro-Fields was a 2022 draft pick of the 49ers, while Wildgoose was a 2021 draft choice. To make room for the pair, the Commanders released linebackers David Mayo and De’Jon Harris.

How does Rivera feel about the two young cornerbacks?

“Tariq Castro-Fields, a young man that we picked up out of San Francisco, played at Penn state,” Rivera said. “He’s athletic. He’s long. He’s more of an outside guy for the most part. He had some pretty good tape.”

The 49ers apparently didn’t want to part with Castro-Fields and were hoping to re-sign him to their practice squad.

As for Wildgoose, Rivera likes his positional flexibility.

“Rachad Wildgoose, out of Wisconsin, he’s got terrific athletic ability and one thing he gives; he gives you position flex,” Rivera said. “He can play both inside and outside, at least that’s what we think. I think he’s a second-year player from the Jets.”

General manager Martin Mayhew, who also spoke with the media Wednesday, is also a fan of the young corners, particularly Castro-Fields.

“This guy has you know, size, speed, athleticism, very high ceiling,” Mayhew said of Castro-Fields. “Six foot, you know, 200 pounds ran 4.3 at the combine. I know his position coach at Penn State really well. Terry Smith was a receiver here for us when I played here, and I spoke to Terry about him during the draft process. But Tariq has a huge upside. Really good football IQ. Learns ball really well. Played 46 games at Penn State. A five-year player ]who] played a ton of football as a rookie coming in here. So, we’re excited by having him.”

Mayhew said he spoke to Jets head coach Robert Saleh and GM Joe Douglas about Wildgoose and both praised him.

These are smart, low-risk moves for the Commanders. Both players played big-time college football. Castro-Fields is a terrific athlete with a high ceiling. Wildgoose can come in and play inside or outside immediately.

Washington feels much better about the cornerback now than it did one day ago.

 

Commanders claim a pair of defensive backs off waivers

The Commanders added two cornerbacks off waivers.

The Washington Commanders only kept four cornerbacks on their initial 53-man roster Tuesday. Afterward, when the media asked head coach Ron Rivera about keeping four corners, he replied, “we are not done yet.”

On Wednesday, waiver claims were revealed, and the Commanders claimed two defensive backs.

Washington claimed Tariq Castro-Fields off waivers from the San Francisco 49ers and Rachad Wildgoose from the New York Jets.

Castro-Fields was a sixth-round pick in this year’s 2022 NFL draft. Castro-Fields played collegiately at Penn State, where he appeared in 46 career games. The 6-foot-1, 197-pound Castro-Fields played high school football at Riverdale Baptist in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

The 49ers wanted to bring Castro-Fields back to the practice squad.

The 5-foot-10 Wildgoose was a sixth-round pick of the Buffalo Bills in 2021. He was released during final cuts last year but re-signed to the practice squad. The Jets signed Wildgoose off Buffalo’s practice squad last November.

Wildgoose played collegiately at Wisconsin.

The Commanders have yet to announce any corresponding moves.

4 things to know about new Jets CB Rachad Wildgoose

Get to know new Jets cornerback Rachad Wildgoose.

The Jets secondary has been ravaged by injuries this season. Lamarcus Joyner was lost for the season in Week 1, while Marcus Maye suffered a season-ending torn Achilles injury against the Colts in Week 9.

The unit’s woes worsened against the Bills, as Brandin Echols suffered a quad injury that is expected to keep him out for 3-5 weeks. In an effort to mitigate the loss of the rookie starter, New York signed Rachad Wildgoose to its active roster on Wednesday.

Here are four things to know about the Jets’ newest cornerback.