In yesterday’s opening installment, I previewed the early front runners for Hogs Haven’s annual Mason/Brennan Preseason Hype! Award. These were the roster hopefuls with the most obvious potential to generate pre-season hype, as viewed at this point in time, after the first wave of UDFA signings, and a few weeks ahead of OTAs.
In some cases the player’s Hype Potential arises from the profile of the roster position they are vying for (e.g. K Drew Stevens, CB Car’lin Vigers, C Matt Gulbin). In others,
it is a function of the player’s talent and fit to the direction the team is heading (e.g. RB Kaytron Allen, S Malik Spencer). In many cases it is a combination of the two. And in others, it is simply down to an intangible “It” factor (e.g. DT Ricky Barber).
But the Mason/Brennan competition is not really about the favorites. This is where we celebrate the struggles of the gritty underdogs that few people have heard of, and even fewer gave a chance, as they battle against adversity to claw their way onto the end of the roster.
In today’s installment, we have a look at players who just missed the cut for inclusion in the front runners pack. They might lack the name recognition of the team’s recent draft picks, or come up a little short in the measurables. Some are competing for depth positions with little to no chance of challenging a starter. But they all have the fire in their hearts. And, where the will to succeed meets opportunity, there is potential to generate hype!
Front Runners
Chasing Pack
Dark Horses and Longshots
Mason/Brennan Hype! – The Chasing Pack
WR Ja’Corey Brooks – 2025 UDFA
6-2 | 184 lbs | 4.65 sec 40 | 4.15 RAS | Age: 24
NFL Experience: 1 game, 7 offensive snaps
Hype Potential: 7/10
Brooks was a Cinderella story of the 2025 pre-season. After signing with the Commanders as an UDFA, Brooks had a strong training camp and led the team in receptions through three pre-season games. That earned him a place on the practice squad. He was elevated for the Week 6 game against Chicago, but was not targeted in 6 offensive snaps. He suffered a season-ending injury in November, but was reportedly healthy when he signed his contract for 2026.
Brooks had a highly productive senior season at Louisville. Despite sub-par testing numbers, he beats defenders with exceptional catch phase execution and creates after the catch. The WR room was strengthened by the addition of Antonio Williams in the draft. But lackluster depth provides ample opportunity for Brooks or another WR to make some noise in training camp.
Is it Just Hype? Brooks went undrafted, after a stellar senior season at Louisville, because he lacks the speed and crisp route running to separate consistently, leading to high numbers of contested targets. To his credit, he excels at hauling them in.
OG Timothy McKay – 2025 Commanders UDFA
6-4 | 311 lbs | 34” arms | 30.5” vertical
Hype Potential: 7/10
The center position has hogged the spotlight this off-season. But the team has a need to rejuvenate the depth ranks across the entire OL.
McKay is the forgotten Hog hopeful. The Commanders initially signed him to a 3-year, $2.99M UDFA contract with $275k guaranteed last offseason, despite the fact that he was nursing a pec tear suffered at his pro day. He spent his rookie season on IR.
McKay is a versatile offensive lineman with college experience at RG and RT. A lot of fans have probably forgotten about him. He should be well rested and rehabbed, and ready to shake up the OL depth chart when players report to camp.
Is it just hype? McKay posted good run and pass blocking numbers in college. But he profiles as having average play strength and limited athleticism. There have been no updates since he was placed on the NFI list after being medically cleared last offseason.
G Tanoa Togiai, 5th Yr Senior, Utah – 2026 UDFA
6-6 | 317 lbs | 33.5” arms | 9.54 RAS | Age: 24
2025 College Stats: 13 games | 1.8% Pressure Rate | 54.6 Run Block Grade
Hype Potential: 7/10
McKay will have competition from the new Hog aspirant in town. Togiai has great size for a guard, but went undrafted despite being one of the most athletic interior offensive linemen in the 2026 class.
He is a standout pass protector, allowing pressure on just 1.8% of 418 dropbacks in 2026, with no sacks. On a lot of teams, a roster fringe guard might not get much notice. But Hogs Haven readers can always be counted on to get excited about a gruntling making a splash in the trenches. Tanoa could boost his hype stock by joining Frankie Luvu and Marcus Mariota in the Siva Tau before pre-season games.
Is it Just Hype? Togiai’s run blocking is below average at this point in his development. He has the athletic tools to develop into a standout zone blocker, if the OL coaching staff can teach him to play to his potential.
RB Robert Henry Jr, Senior, UTSA – 2026 UDFA
5-9 | 196 lbs | 4.52 sec 40 | 7.02 RAS | Age 24
2025 College Rushing: 11 games | 151 att | 1,045 yds | 6.9 Y/A | 9 TD | 4.25 YAC/Att | 33 MTF | 2 fum (1.1%)
2025 College Receiving: 18 rec | 114 yds | 2 TD | 8.5 YAC/Rec | 4 MTF
Hype Potential: 6.5/10
Henry has some similarities to J’mari Taylor (RB), whom I featured this draft cycle. His testing numbers won’t wow you. But he produced consistently in college by playing better than his measurables.
He runs with good vision, patience and burst to exploit openings. He shows good breakaway speed in games, great contact balance, and good ability to make defenders miss. He wasn’t featured much as a receiver in college, but showed reliable hands with YAC ability when targeted. He is a willing blocker, but could improve his technique.
The RB room is getting crowded, after the addition of Kaytron Allen in the draft. But Henry’s receiving ability could be the key to catching fire with the fanbase and possibly earning a PS spot.
Is it Just Hype? Henry is a smaller back and fumbled 6 times in the last 3 seasons. He will have to really stand out to earn a roster spot, or even a place on the PS.
WR Nick Nash – 2025 Falcons UDFA
6-2 | 203 lbs | 31” arms | 4.57 sec 40 | 6.63 RAS | Age 27
Hype Potential: 6/10
Nash was featured in just about every sleepers article in the 2025 draft cycle, after leading the FBS in receiving yards and TDs. He signed with the Commanders in 2026, after a season on the Falcons’ PS. He has good size and catchmaking ability, but is still a raw route runner, after converting from QB in college.
Nash’s age works against him in the competition with younger players like Ja’Corey Brooks and Jaden Bradley. But that won’t stop the hype train taking off when he wins over the rim on one of the starting DBs in training camp.
Is it Just Hype? Nash is not very fast. At 27, he’s also a little old for a developmental prospect who needs to refine his route running to make up for athletic limitations.
