Colson Yankoff - Commanders TE
The Washington Commanders look well-stocked in their tight end room. Colson Yankoff's outstanding summer only adds more intrigue to the group.
It's been refreshing to see Yankoff make considerable strides before Year 3 of his professional career. The 2024 undrafted free agent out of UCLA has been used primarily on special teams over his first two seasons, but everything is seemingly starting to click in all phases now.
Reporters and fans in attendance over training camp have commented on how many tough catches Yankoff has made. There seems to be a new highlight every day, and if he can make a few splashes in the preseason, David Blough will have to figure out ways to get him onto the field.
Considering Yankoff only started playing tight end a couple of years ago, the progression speaks volumes about his work ethic and willingness to improve. Chig Okonkwo will lead the way with John Bates and Ben Sinnott behind him. But don't be surprised if the perceived TE4 can also make a larger impact than most anticipate.
This is a positive step forward for Yankoff. The Commanders need to get him some preseason targets to fully judge how far along he is. If he passes these tests with flying colors, a bigger role won't be too far behind.
Antonio Williams - Commanders WR
The Commanders have a lot to figure out in their wide receiver room. Things are more crowded after the arrival of Stefon Diggs, but both he and Terry McLaurin got the day off before joint practice with the Miami Dolphins.
Others got the chance to feature more prominently. This practice might not have had the urgency of pads, but it was extremely valuable for third-round rookie wideout Antonio Williams.
There remains real intrigue around Williams' role in this offense. Diggs also likes to work the slot and short-to-intermediate areas of the field at this stage of his career. However, the former Clemson standout has inside-out versatility that offensive coordinator David Blough will know how to maximize.
Williams has been among the real positives in 7-on-7 drills. He's a slippery route runner who knows how to utilize leverage effectively. The timing is a work in progress, but that's to be expected of someone new to the franchise who is still waiting to play his first competitive NFL snap.
According to those in attendance, Williams also made a few impressive touchdown grabs during the red-zone portion of practice. Being able to work in tight windows with such success is only going to serve him well when the Commanders open things up. And not even Diggs' arrival will stop him from making an impact.
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