Brian Robinson Jr. - Commanders RB
The running back dynamic didn't get the massive shake-up most Washington Commanders fans were expecting this offseason. Adam Peters focused his attention on the offensive line, believing that the ground attack would improve if the offensive trenches received the correct investment.
The Commanders drafted Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the seventh round. Asking him to accumulate starting reps is unfair so early into his development. That places the onus squarely on Brian Robinson Jr. to lead from the front and potentially get a new deal along the way.
Robinson started last season well before tailing off. The punishment took a heavy toll, and the former third-round pick out of Alabama has never eclipsed more than 800 rushing yards throughout his three-year career to date. Anything less than a 1,000-yard rushing campaign this time around could see the Commanders go in a different direction.
This hasn't gone unnoticed by Robinson. Kliff Kingsbury lauded the player's raised urgency and approach throughout Washington's offseason program. He's heard the criticism and knows it's the last chance to cement himself as a potential franchise cornerstone. The tempo has increased accordingly, but this remains an uncertain predicament for the fourth-year pro.
Paying running backs is becoming a popular trend again around the league. If Robinson shows enough, the Commanders could follow suit.
Deebo Samuel Sr. - Commanders WR
The Commanders needed to boost Jayden Daniels' supporting cast this offseason. Adam Peters kicked this off by stunning the NFL world with a bold trade to acquire Deebo Samuel Sr. from the San Francisco 49ers.
Samuel is coming off a down year with questions about his conditioning and attitude. They seem pretty far from the wide receiver who's come to Washington. His impression was emphatic and immediate over early workouts. He's also been working exceptionally hard away from the team to silence some increasing doubters.
This represents a low-risk gamble for the Commanders. It'll be a one-year rental if Samuel doesn't reach his billing. There's also a good chance he'll get extended if the former second-round pick out of South Carolina bounces back to anything like his All-Pro form.
Keeping him healthy and focused is key. He seems highly motivated to make those who've doubted him eat their words. This looks like an outstanding scheme fit for Kliff Kingsbury's offense and should make Daniels' life a lot easier over the short-to-intermediate areas of the field. And Samuel's versatility is his superpower.
Samuel needs a huge campaign to get anything like the money he's on right now. But don't be surprised if the accomplished performer bounces back.