Rookie TE Armani Rogers impressing the Commanders

Armani Rogers is really just getting started.

Washington Commanders tight end Armani Rogers has shown flashes during the preseason. What is even more encouraging is Rogers, unlike most other tight ends, played quarterback his entire college career.

In his first attempt with an NFL team as a tight end, Rogers has already shown enough, putting enough on film, that the Commanders personnel management and coaches determined they wanted to protect Rogers from other teams claiming him. Consequently, Washington did not risk hoping the first-year novice tight end would clear waivers. No, they protected Rogers by naming him to the initial 53-man roster for this 2022 season.

Rogers (6-5, 225) spent his first three years as a college quarterback at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) before moving on to Ohio University for the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

Ironically, Rogers attempted more passes as a freshman than he did any other season. Rogers was in offenses where he was not asked to pass much, attempting 189 passes that freshman season and 117 his sophomore year.

On to Ohio U, Rogers only appeared in three games in 2020 before appearing in 12 games in his final season. In that 2021 season, Rogers completed 29 of 49 attempts (59.2%) for 350 yards (7.1 YPA). However, he did run the ball 92 times for 552 yards (6.0 YPA), scoring 7 touchdowns.

Consequently, Rogers was invited to the East-West Shrine Bowl, where he practiced and played as a tight end.

The Commanders liked what they saw in Rogers, thinking he might have potential, and signed Armani (May 2) as an undrafted free agent. It has been new, and at times it has not been easy for Rogers in needing to learn his new position. Yet, he has displayed athleticism and toughness.

If a tight end is going to make it, he must not only learn how to run routes and catch the ball but also must not be shy about getting his hands dirty and learning to block well enough to help in the running game. Notice below his block (#88) at the point of attack on this Brian Robinson run against Kansas City. Rogers lines up just behind and outside the left tackle.

Once he catches the ball, Rogers really likes to run with it. In fact, he once had the enjoyment of running 99 yards for a touchdown for the Ohio U Bobcats against Buffalo U.

Story originally appeared on Commanders Wire