Robert Henry Jr. - Commanders RB
After some eye-catching moves throughout the offseason from Adam Peters, the Washington Commanders now have a surplus in their running back room. Things are still shaking out in terms of the dynamic, and the coaching staff will give everyone a legitimate shot to stake a claim.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt and free-agent signing Rachaad White will lead the way. Sixth-round rookie Kaytron Allen brings a physical presence that others don't, with Jerome Ford and Jeremy McNichols also standing good chances to make the team if their performance levels raise enough confidence.
The options may come from those five, which is understandable. However, there were signs over Washington's offseason program that undrafted rookie Robert Henry Jr. has the talent to make things extremely uncomfortable this summer.
Henry was a solid performer in college, racking up 2,339 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns through three seasons. He was also a decent outlet in the passing game at UTSA, accumulating 428 receiving yards and four scores through the air.
That wasn't enough to hear his name called during the 2026 NFL Draft, but the Commanders saw something in Henry that others didn't. They also gave him $200,000 in guaranteed money on his deal, which further underscored their belief.
While making the practice squad would be an achievement for Henry, don't be surprised if he builds on his early momentum.
Shy Tuttle - Commanders DL
The Commanders are projected to switch to a 3-4 base defensive front under new coordinator Daronte Jones. This is an intriguing development that fans will be watching closely over the summer, and there is a growing belief that this move should also play more to the strengths of those in the trenches.
Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw will likely be the 3-4 defensive ends, with free-agent signing Tim Settle Jr. as the nose tackle. Johnny Newton will also form a key part of the plans, and head coach Dan Quinn is expecting the 2024 second-round pick to take off. That could be a productive quartet, but the cupboard is relatively bare otherwise.
Not much is expected of Shy Tuttle. He joined the Commanders late last season and didn't flash much. This came after his time with the Tennessee Titans fell flat, and he was cut by the Carolina Panthers, so the veteran's career trajectory doesn't exactly scream optimism.
That said, Tuttle has a shot to make the roster.
He's experienced, especially in 3-4 systems. The former Tennessee force has played as an end or in the nose, and while the production was inconsistent, this might tip the scales as a backup option over others.
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