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.
