Chris Rodriguez Jr. - Commanders RB
Adam Peters kept faith with the running backs who contributed to the cause last season. That remains a contentious issue among the fan base, but the general manager believes that once the offensive line improves as expected, the ground game should follow suit.
The Washington Commanders did add one intriguing newcomer to the mix. Jacory Croskey-Merritt might be a seventh-round selection, but he's not acting like it. He's also got lofty ambitions to gain his fair share of carries right out of the gate despite the presence of Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler atop the depth chart.
Much will depend on how many running backs the Commanders take onto their Week 1 squad. However, don't count Chris Rodriguez Jr. out just yet.
The former sixth-round selection out of Kentucky flashed immense promise when touches came his way in 2024. He ran with balance and aggression in equal measure. Rodriguez developed encouragingly, although the coaching staff remained reluctant to get him involved down the stretch and into the playoffs despite the regression of others.
Rodriguez got another one-year deal from the club this offseason. That doesn't guarantee anything, so the same purposeful mindset is crucial in pursuit of leaving no doubt regarding his roster status.
Car'lin Vigers - Commanders CB
The Commanders rewarded two undrafted free agents with places on the 53-man roster during their first campaign under head coach Dan Quinn. Tight end Colson Yankoff and safety Tyler Owens didn't get much time on the starting rotation. Still, it shows that those who prove their worth will be acknowledged accordingly.
That should provide this year's crop of undrafted hopefuls with all the motivation needed to thrive. Some won't make the grade and will be released or forced to settle for places on the practice squad. Others will perform way above expectations and go through.
There's growing momentum building around Car'lin Vigers. Several team reporters commented on how impressive the defensive back was over the Commanders' offseason program. It's early days, but the unheralded player is making all the right noises nonetheless.
It'll be difficult for Vigers to get a spot in a strong-looking cornerback room. Marshon Lattimore, Trey Amos, Mike Sainristil, and Jonathan Jones are locks. Noah Igbinoghene should make it, too, so that leaves one or perhaps two spots for the rest.
Vigers is off to a good start. If the same trend continues at training camp and the preseason, he could find his name on the squad when it's all said and done.