Luke McCaffrey - Commanders WR/KR
It's been another interesting season for Luke McCaffrey. The wide receiver made the roster, but he was further down the pecking order than ever before, a sign of how his development is being perceived behind the scenes.
The Commanders always knew McCaffrey would be a development project when they took him at No. 100 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. He had encouraging athletic gifts, but he played receiver for only two years in college after transitioning from quarterback at Rice.
McCaffrey can make catches and is elusive with the football in his hands, but he's been a non-factor on the offensive rotation so far this season. However, his role is integral over the second half of 2026 in a different discipline.
After Jaylin Lane went to injured reserve, McCaffrey got his shot back as the team's starting kick returner. He was in Pro Bowl consideration on special teams last year before a broken collarbone, which set him back considerably.
Now, he's getting the chance to shine again. And even if it's only by default, McCaffrey is already flashing outstanding qualities returning the football.
McCaffrey's vision, speed, and ability to exploit gaps have given the Commanders solid field position, for the most part. If he can keep this up over the next 10 games, it'll help enormously.
Rasul Douglas - Commanders CB
With Trey Amos back in the lineup after missing almost a year due to injury, the Commanders now boast a pretty decent starting cornerback tandem. The Ole Miss product has hit the ground running, and Amik Robertson's impressive start to the campaign gives defensive coordinator Daronte Jones a potentially productive tandem to depend on this season and beyond.
This has relegated Rasul Douglas to rotational duties. However, the veteran cornerback remains an important part of the team's defensive strategy.
Douglas was an intriguing addition to the Commanders just before training camp. He played well for the Miami Dolphins last season, and Washington believed he could add experience and consistency. When Mike Sainristil struggled early on, more was needed, and the West Virginia product has delivered so far.
The 2017 third-round pick already has two interceptions and six pass breakups through the first seven games, three of which he's started. Douglas is conceding just 54.3 percent of targets thrown in his direction, and his 51.7 passer rating when targeted is even more impressive.
Signing Douglas was seen as a stopgap option, and he's been a very good one. This will be needed even with Amos back, but if he keeps performing this well, general manager Adam Peters would be wise to keep him beyond 2026.
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