Jerome Ford - Commanders RB
Fans are eagerly anticipating how the running back dynamic will shake out before Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles arrives. The Washington Commanders made four intriguing additions to the unit, with Jacory Croskey-Merritt still around and Jeremy McNichols also getting a new one-year deal.
The Commanders have strength in depth, but not everyone will make it. Croskey-Merritt and free-agent signing Rachaad White should lead the charge, and sixth-round rookie Kaytron Allen offers a more physical presence capable of gaining hard yards in between the tackles.
That leaves one or two spots for the rest. McNichols and perhaps even undrafted rookie Robert Henry Jr. will fancy their chances, but fans shouldn't count out Jerome Ford just yet.
Ford caught the eye over Washington's early offseason program. He fell down the Cleveland Browns' pecking order last season, but he's a home-run hitter with the dynamism to offer something a little different within David Blough's system.
Making the team will be the first objective. Ford has better previous production than McNichols, but the lower down the depth chart you go, the more important being a key special-teams figure becomes.
That's where the 2022 fifth-round pick falls behind. Even so, if Ford can make it onto the 53-man roster, don't be surprised if he makes his presence felt.
Jeremy Reaves - Commanders S
There have been very few constants on Washington's roster in recent years. The long-serving players are few and far between, but defensive back Jeremy Reaves continues to defy the odds.
Reaves is entering his ninth NFL season, and it could make it a decade after signing a new one-year extension ahead of time this offseason. He's typically been seen more as a special-teams presence, and an exceptional one at that. But his performance levels on the defensive rotation last season could mean he becomes even more influential this time around.
The former South Alabama standout was the best of a bad bunch on the back end of Washington's defense last season. Despite the Commanders going through the motions, Reaves was nothing but maximum effort throughout. He is also a respected leader in the locker room, which head coach Dan Quinn values highly.
Adam Peters didn't do much to strengthen the safety unit this offseason. Nick Cross should help greatly, but a genuine competition is brewing for the other starting spot. Daronte Jones' system will be versatile, but Reaves has a shot to earn his fair share of snaps.
Characters like Reaves are hard to find. Though most still consider him a backup, it wouldn't be a shock to see him make additional strides this season.
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