Jerome Ford - Commanders RB
The Washington Commanders' running back dynamic is in the process of shaking out. Both head coach Dan Quinn and running backs coach Anthony Lynn don't know how things will unfold, but the likelihood centers on a committee approach when the regular season begins.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt and free-agent signing Rachaad White are the frontrunners to gain prominent reps. There is also significant intrigue around sixth-round rookie Kaytron Allen, who brings an elite mentality and physical approach that is quickly making him a fan favorite.
Those three look like roster locks, meaning there could be one spot for the rest. Undrafted rookie Robert Henry Jr. is an outsider aiming to surprise. Jeremy McNichols brings experience and special teams value. There is also Jerome Ford, who signed a one-year deal with the club this offseason.
Ford fell out of favor with the Cleveland Browns last season, but he's a home-run hitter who could force his way into Washington's plans. His skill set is similar to that of Croskey-Merritt and White, so a situation could also arise where Adam Peters scours the market for a team looking for running back assistance.
The 2022 fifth-round pick out of Cincinnati is already being touted as a trade candidate by some. But if Ford impresses enough, he'll be on the squad.
Drake Jackson - Commanders OLB
The Commanders rightfully prioritized their edge-rushing options this offseason. Adam Peters overlooked the position group last year and paid a heavy price, so he was never going to make the same mistake again.
Now, the Commanders' pass-rush could be an area of strength if everyone meets expectations. It also means that competition for places is fierce a little lower down the depth chart.
Not everyone will go through. Some are going to miss out, but there is enough intriguing talent to potentially get a trade offer if Peters lets people know that a certain player is not going to be part of their plans.
In this scenario, Drake Jackson could be an intriguing option, albeit with a massive caveat attached. The edge rusher has undoubted talent, but staying healthy remains the key factor that will make or break his career from here on.
The San Francisco 49ers eventually gave up on Jackson last season. Peters was part of the war room that drafted him in the second round, and he was willing to give him a shot. The USC product got back healthy late in the season and flashed some impressive qualities when tasked with defensive reps. It wasn't perfect, but it was a major step in the right direction.
If Jackson gets a full summer of work, he could sneak his way onto the 53-man roster. If others are preferred, renewed health could be enough to entice another team to take the plunge.
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