Washington Commanders 2nd year UDFA Spotlight: RB Michael Wiley, DT Norell Pollard, QB Sam Hartman, SS Ben Nikkel

Which returning UDFAs will capitalize on their second chance?

“He needs a year on the practice squad to develop before having a chance at a roster spot.”

How many times have we read this line or one like it when discussing undrafted free agents? It is common practice to say undrafted free agents should be stashed on the practice squad to give them a chance to develop. Rightly so, as most don’t have the skill set to compete at the NFL level right away. Many times, undrafted players that don’t make the final roster toil away in camps and offseason activities without ever seeing the light of day, but occasionally some break through to carve out roles on NFL teams. Examples include currently rostered Commanders Andrew Wylie, Trent Scott, and, of course, All-Pros Frankie Luvu and Jeremy Reaves.

Eleven UDFAs were signed by Washington after the 2024 draft. Today, I will offer a brief refresher on the four who remain that are entering camp for a second chance at a roster spot.

Michael Wiley, RB (5’10”, 210 lbs.): Last year, Wiley profiled as third-down back and possible backup for Austin Ekeler. The former Arizona running back opened some eyes in preseason with 17 attempts for 67 yards and 2 touchdowns, while adding six catches for 37 yards. Some fans, and even a writer or two, had him as a possible inclusion to the final roster in August. Ultimately, he was waived and re-signed to the practice squad.

When Ekeler went out during the season, it was Chris Rodriguez, not Wiley, who was called up to the roster. At this point, he would seem to be a long shot for a roster spot, especially with the addition of Croskey-Merritt, but Bill profiles with below average third-down ability as he enters his rookie season in the NFL. Wiley could compete for McNichols’ spot as a do-it-all game day backup and special teamer.

Norell Pollard DT (6/1”, 283 lbs.): It is easy to forget Norell Pollard, as the former Hokie secured just one tackle in preseason before being placed on injured reserve. Yet another undersized, athletic, defensive lineman in the Dan Quinn/Joe Whitt mold, he played every game in college over a five year span (61), starting in 48 of them. Pollard’s claim to notoriety was a pass rush win rate that surpassed Johnny Newton’s. He has already developed an arsenal of pass rush moves, so hopefully he added strength and weight this off-season.

Sam Hartman, QB (6’1”, 209 lbs.): Hartman’s rookie preseason was also forgettable beyond some mop up work in the first preseason game. He missed most of camp with a shoulder injury, but was waived without an injury designation at final cuts. Re-signed to the practice squad, he made a brief appearance on the roster as the emergency third quarterback during Marcus Mariota’s four games on IR. Upon Mariota’s return, he was once again waived and re-signed to the practice squad. Average arm strength and athleticism will always limit his potential, but his processing speed and ability to create plays off schedule will keep him in the mix at QB3. The team didn’t add anybody to the room this offseason besides Josh Johnson, and I’m not sure that counts.

Ben Nikkel, SS (6’1”, 210 lbs.): As a former college walk-on, Ben Nikkel knows about succeeding over long odds. He transferred to Iowa State after spending two years as a wide receiver at McPherson College. Nikkel spent most of his college career on special teams, but saw snaps at defensive back in his final year. Ben finished the season with 40 tackles and three pass breakups while finishing second on the team with eight special teams tackles. He tested off the charts at the Big 12’s Pro Day and caught the attention of national scouts.

Nikkel also had a forgettable preseason, suffering an undisclosed injury after the second game, before being waived with an injury settlement. He re-signed to the Commanders’ practice squad in October. Mark Tyler was recently spotted in the comments section reporting Nikkel has an outside shot at a roster spot this year. Here’s an excerpt from his NFL Draft Profile:

Nikkel might not be talented enough to handle backup safety duties without more coaching and experience, but he deserves a look for his special teams work. He has good size and races down the field like his hair is on fire, both on kickoffs and as a gunner. Nikkel played on all five phases of special teams at Iowa State, but he’s nowhere near ready to take NFL snaps at safety.

It’s sometimes said that everyone deserves a second chance, but that’s not always true in the NFL, and for these four players, this season could be their last — or the next step in building a good career. What are the most likely outcomes for these four players? Answer in the comments below.