Rachaad White - Commanders RB
The Washington Commanders have some things to figure out in their running back room. While there might not be an elite bell-cow capable of accumulating 25-30 touches a game, the pieces are in place for a productive committee if everyone meets expectations.
This is a nice problem for offensive coordinator David Blough and running backs coach Anthony Lynn to have. There is uncertainty about how things could shake out, but there are also growing signs that free-agent signing Rachaad White will have a significant role.
White, who joined the Commanders this offseason on a one-year, $2 million deal after four productive seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was among the real standouts over Washington's offseason program. His explosiveness, vision, and pass-catching out of the backfield caught the eye, and his previous connection to quarterback Jayden Daniels only heightens belief.
The likes of Jacory Croskey-Merritt, sixth-round rookie Kaytron Allen, and maybe even Jerome Ford could also get prominent roles. However, the experience, consistent production, and game-changing dynamism White brings to the table could see him rise above the rest.
This will be among the most fascinating elements to watch at training camp. It's a fluid situation, but it would be a big surprise if White didn't build on his momentum.
Tim Settle Jr. - Commanders DL
Tim Settle Jr. was a popular signing this offseason. The imposing defensive lineman is no stranger to Commanders fans, having been drafted by the club as a fifth-round pick in 2018, spending the first four seasons of his career in Washington before joining the Buffalo Bills.
After two years in Buffalo and another two with the Houston Texans, he's now back. And this promises to be a massive addition to the defensive trenches under new coordinator Daronte Jones.
The Commanders are expected to move into a 3-4 base scheme with Jones leading the charge. His system will be predicated on the front three filling up gaps and absorbing blockers, allowing the edge rushers and linebackers to cause havoc. At 6-foot-3 and 315 pounds, Settle has the size and mass to occupy the nose tackle position effectively. With Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw projected as the starting 3-4 defensive ends, this could be a highly productive trio.
Monitoring Settle's status over the summer is key. He missed a lot of early workouts recovering from an injury, but there doesn't seem to be much panic about him missing time during the regular season. If the former Virginia Tech standout gets some good work in over camp, he's got the scope to change the dynamic.
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