The Washington Commanders are officially kicking off a new chapter as they welcome their rookie class to the NFL. With the draft in the rearview mirror, all eyes are now on rookie minicamp, and the team has just announced the signing of nine undrafted free agents. These young players will get their first taste of professional football this Friday at the Ashburn practice facility.

Don't underestimate the power of a rookie minicamp—it can be a game-changer. Just look at last year's success story: the Commanders invited undrafted cornerback Carlin Vigers to their camp. He impressed enough to earn a spot on the 90-man training camp roster, and even after being cut, he landed on the practice squad for the entire season. Fast forward to January, and Vigers signed a futures contract, now sitting on the active roster. It's a reminder that these camps can launch careers.

Here's the full list of undrafted free agents who officially signed with the Commanders on Thursday:

[List of players would go here—e.g., "Player Name, Position, College"]

As for the minicamp itself, it's not optional—it's mandatory under the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The sessions will run two to three days, with non-contact drills limited to 3.5 hours daily. Players will be in helmets and shells only, no pads, and there's no contact or one-on-one drills allowed. It's all about fundamentals and evaluation.

And for those who missed it, the Commanders also announced jersey numbers for their drafted rookies, adding to the excitement as the team builds toward the season.