Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Commanders RB
The Washington Commanders' rushing dynamic is still playing out at training camp. Even so, it already looks like Jacory Croskey-Merritt will be integral to any success.
Croskey-Merritt quickly became Washington's biggest surprise last season. The seventh-round pick burst onto the scene over the summer and took it into his rookie campaign. There was a slight slump midway through the year, but gaining 805 rushing yards and eight scores was better than anyone expected.
He's looking to take the next step in Year 2. Croskey-Merritt has put on 7-8 pounds of muscle. He's working hard on becoming a better pass blocker, and he wants to be an asset in the passing game. Washington's first session in pads brought the best of him, which bodes well for what's to come.
Even though the Commanders will likely move forward with a committee approach in their backfield, Croskey-Merritt will be a focal point. Free-agent signing Rachaad White and sixth-round rookie Kaytron Allen also have intriguing traits, but the man they call Bill earned his stripes last season, and he wants more this time around.
Complacency will never be an issue with Croskey-Merritt, not after what it took to get this opportunity in the NFL. And it would be surprising if further improvements didn't arrive.
Sonny Styles - Commanders LB
Sonny Styles just carries himself like a superstar. His transition into the Commanders has been nothing short of seamless, and the first day in pads saw the No. 7 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft lay down another marker for what's to come.
Those in attendance were once again blown away by Styles' quickness to the football. The speed is astonishing for a man his size, and the Ohio State product also handled the more physical things well. He just looks the part, and the linebacker wasted no time in setting the correct tone.
It's getting harder and harder to ignore the buzz around Styles. His teammates see it, so do the reporters and fans in attendance. There is nothing he cannot do effectively on defense, and at a time when the Commanders are crying out for long-term hope after Bobby Wagner's departure, the first-round rookie represents precisely that.
Absolute unit. pic.twitter.com/7AEYEjvEPs
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) August 3, 2026
Styles has come to take over. The Commanders got an enormous stroke of good fortune when he slipped out of the top five and into their laps, which could be a game-changer if early impressions are any indication. Sometimes, you just know, and the first-year pro is giving off these vibes in abundance.
The hype train has left the station with Styles. And he's growing in stature with every practice.
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