Winner No. 4
Robert Henry Jr. - Commanders RB
As previously mentioned, Kaytron Allen left a positive impression on the Washington Commanders' rookie minicamp, despite his clear flaws in the passing game. However, there is another potential running back option that fans should watch closely over the summer.
John Keim of ESPN was quick to highlight Robert Henry Jr. as someone who left a positive impression. The insider stated that there is growing confidence in the player behind the scenes, and his progress over the summer could shake up Washington's backfield considerably.
Henry went undrafted despite a productive three seasons with the UTSA Roadrunners, including going over 1,000 rushing yards in 2025. He isn't the biggest at 5-foot-9, and he's not the most explosive. However, the incoming rookie is elusive, and his low center of gravity can exploit even the smallest creases for decent gains.
Establishing a role in Washington's crowded running back room will be difficult, but Henry is off to a good start nonetheless.
Loser No. 2
Athan Kaliakmanis - Commanders QB
There was a great deal of surprise when the Commanders spent their final pick in the draft on quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis. But clearly, Adam Peters did not want to leave anything to chance after the injury problems with Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota last season.
Kaliakmanis was dangerously inaccurate during the 2024 campaign. He improved in 2025 at Rutgers, but Washington's decision to spend a draft selection still caught everyone off guard. However, this is nothing more than a development project until further notice.
The Commanders got their first real look at Kaliakmanis during their rookie minicamp. It was reportedly a mixed bag according to those in attendance, with JP Finlay of NBC Sports noting he looked like a late Day 3 pick getting to grips with the playbook. There were some nice throws, but he was also picked off by second-year defensive back Car'lin Vigers.
It's just a rookie minicamp, so there is no real need to panic. But Kaliakmanis is a work in progress, as expected.
Winner No. 5
Sonny Styles - Commanders LB
Sonny Styles was the star attraction at Washington's rookie minicamp, which is no surprise. There is a great deal of anticipation about what the athletically gifted linebacker could bring to the Commanders, and the No. 7 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft successfully set the tone for what's to come.
Styles is a big linebacker. He's 6-foot-5 with the length and speed to make a significant difference. His explosiveness and short-area burst caught the eye of those in attendance, and even had former players like Dez Bryant declaring their surprise on social media.
This was precisely what the Commanders wanted to see. They thought taking Styles was a no-brainer when he dropped out of the top five and into their laps. His physical traits are matched by a fierce desire to be the very best. There is a long way to go, but the Ohio State product's hype continues to soar.
Add us as a preferred source on Google