Chris Rodriguez Jr. - Commanders RB
It's a crowded running back room with no margin for error. Adam Peters ran it back with the same quartet that contributed last season, which was surprising to most fans. The Washington Commanders also spent the No. 245 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft on Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who has high hopes of making an impact on the offensive rotation.
That'll make it more difficult for others on the roster bubble. Chris Rodriguez Jr. is among them, and the former sixth-round pick has been working hard throughout the offseason to give himself a fighting chance.
Head coach Dan Quinn praised Rodriguez for improving his conditioning. He looks leaner and has put in the hard yards to bolster his chances. This has come across on the practice field based on the musings of those watching.
Rodriguez looks a lot more explosive, and he's adopting extra purpose to every carry. That won't guarantee anything, but it's not a bad foundation from which to build.
There were some encouraging signs from Rodriguez when called upon last season. He was aggressive and made almost every touch count. The trust wasn't quite there to give him involvement in the playoffs, but his performances were enough for the Commanders to keep him around.
Making the squad remains a tough proposition for Rodriguez. But a place on the practice squad isn't a bad consolation prize.
Luke McCaffrey - Commanders WR
Luke McCaffrey hasn't come into his second offseason to settle for a backup role once again. The wide receiver wants to become a core part of the team's offensive strategy under play-caller Kliff Kingsbury. And he's made a sensational start to preparations in pursuit of achieving this objective.
The stakes were raised for McCaffrey. Washington acquired Deebo Samuel Sr., Jaylin Lane, and Michael Gallup this offseason. They brought back Noah Brown and K.J. Osborn. Competition for places is fierce, so nothing but improvements would do.
With Brown, Gallup, and McLaurin all missing, McCaffrey relished the prospect of being a focal point. He's made things happen during the team portion of practices, showcasing improved route-running and eye-catching speed. He's also added an eye for the end zone, with the former third-round pick going in for another score on Day 3 to round off a hugely impressive minicamp.
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— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 12, 2025
All of McCaffrey's dedication away from the team, where he's been working out alongside his All-Pro brother Christian McCaffrey, is already paying off. The Rice graduate put himself in a strong position to gain more targets when competitive action commences. Ensuring this doesn't become fleeting when things get tougher this summer is the big challenge, but he's got the work ethic and mindset to keep improving in his own time.