The Washington Commanders selected wide receiver Dax Milne in the seventh round — No. 258 overall in the 2021 NFL draft. In the same draft, Washington selected Dyami Brown in the third round. Also, earlier in that offseason, Washington signed free agent Curtis Samuel to a three-year contract.
One year later, the Commanders selected Jahan Dotson at No. 16 overall in the 2022 NFL draft.
Yet, through it all, Milne remains. And the 2023 season will be similar to the previous two years; Milne will be in a battle to win a roster spot this summer.
As a rookie in 2021, Milne appeared in 13 games, making nine receptions for 82 yards. In 2022, Milne took over as Washington’s primary kick and punt returner when the Commanders chose not to bring back DeAndre Carter. Milne played in 15 games, caught six passes for 37 yards and a touchdown.
Milne didn’t exactly separate himself as a returner.
However, Milne is quietly having a strong offseason through OTAs and minicamp. On the final day of the mandatory minicamp Thursday, Milne continued to stand out, per Zach Selby of commanders.com.
Despite being a seventh-round pick, Dax Milne has managed to stick around because of his route running and reliable hands. He’s managed to pull down some impressive catches over the past few weeks, and he had two more during Thursday’s practice. He managed to create some separation against Benjamin St-Juste for a catch on a comeback route, and he caught a touchdown over Danny Johnson during team drills.
So, while Milne may not make Washington’s 53-man roster for his special teams play in 2023, you shouldn’t rule him out as the team’s No. 4 or No. 5 receiver. Remember, the Commanders often keep six wide receivers.
Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel are locks as the top three wideouts. Brown is almost a lock, leaving Milne to battle veteran Marcus Kemp, Kyric McGowan and undrafted rookies Kazmeir Allen and Mitchell Tinsley for potentially two spots.
If Allen is healthy, he’s a leading contender to return punts. But Milne has proven his value as a backup wide receiver. He can get open against starting cornerbacks, runs precise routes and is an overall reliable player.
Too many people had Milne not making the roster after struggling as a returner last season. Yet, Milne continues to prove he has value.
Don’t count Milne out just yet.
