Bobby Wagner - Commanders LB
Bobby Wagner's credentials speak for themselves. He is a future first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer and one of the best linebackers of the modern era. The Washington Commanders could have easily given him the day off, but that's not in his makeup.
Wagner relishes competition. He leads by example and sets a strong tone for others to follow. It's why he was tasked with spearheading the franchise culture shift under head coach Dan Quinn. It's also why he's so revered by teammates, fans, and coaches alike.
It was no surprise to see that Wagner came to life when the pads went on at training camp. Everything was measured. Everything was composed. There was controlled aggression and several impressive plays attached to his contribution. And as always, fellow second-team All-Pro linebacker Frankie Luvu was beside him every step of the way.
Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu.
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) July 28, 2025
Iron sharpens Iron. Love it. pic.twitter.com/1EgTaLMCvt
The former second-round pick might be at the tail-end of his playing career, but he's shown no signs of slowing down. Wagner might be a little slower in coverage these days, but his cerebral approach and exceptional communication make him a significant asset for the Commanders to depend upon. That's not going to change in 2025.
What comes after that is less certain. Until then, Wagner remains an integral part of Washington's plans.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Commanders RB
Evaluating running backs can be difficult until the pads come on. That's why all eyes were on Jacory Croskey-Merritt to see if he could continue his outstanding start to life in Washington when things got a little more intense.
The No. 245 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft passed this test with flying colors. Croskey-Merritt was decisive and explosive. He exploited gaps and absorbed contact impressively. He even managed to stay upright when safety Tyler Owens laid a big hit on him during scrimmages, according to those in attendance.
This did nothing to diminish the hype around Croskey-Merritt, which is unusual for a seventh-round rookie still learning what it takes to succeed in the pros. He's got a chip on his shoulder and is putting it to good use. The East-West Shrine Bowl Offensive MVP is proving he belongs much sooner than anyone anticipated. This is only going to help in the pursuit of immediate playing time.
Croskey-Merritt should get plenty of work during the preseason. That'll give the coaching staff a broader perspective of what he could potentially bring to a competitive setting. However, it's hard to ignore the substantial momentum building as the first-year pro looks to silence his doubters right out of the gate.