Jeremy McNichols - Commanders RB
The Washington Commanders now have strength in the running back unit. Several intriguing additions were made via free agency and the draft, which bolsters competition for places with no clear-cut frontrunner right now.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt is back after being held out of OTAs, and he looked sharp. Rachaad White continues to impress, and fellow free-agent signing Jerome Ford has also flashed.
There is also the presence of sixth-round rookie Kaytron Allen, who made his intentions abundantly clear over early workouts. Undrafted rookie Robert Henry Jr. has also made an early impression, which could leave Jeremy McNichols as the odd man out.
This is a dynamic that fans will be watching closely as the summer tempo intensifies. The Commanders should take this competition right through the preseason before making an informed decision. McNichols is a respected locker room presence and a strong special-teams asset. However, his limitations when given touches are clear.
The Commanders are not attaching sentiment to their decision-making process. Everything must be earned, and previous reputations count for nothing. McNichols seems behind three or four right now, so it'll take a massive effort to turn the tide and secure his place on the team for the third consecutive year.
Car'lin Vigers - Commanders CB
There is more faith in the cornerback unit inside the building than among the fan base. The Commanders opted to significantly strengthen their defensive front seven, which should help the secondary. But they still have to cover, tackle, and provide assurance when it matters most.
Trey Amos, Mike Sainristil, and Amik Robertson seem entrenched as the starting trio. There is a genuine competition happening for the other spots, and the Commanders also experimented with Quan Martin and Tyler Owens in the nickel over OTAs.
Darius Rush, Tre Hawkins III, and undrafted rookie Fred Davis II are players who've caught the attention of the coaching staff over mandatory minicamp. Free-agent signing Ahkello Witherspoon was up and down, but he has more experience. What that means for the rest is undetermined, but it's not looking too promising for Car'lin Vigers in his second offseason with the club.
Vigers has some likable athletic traits. He didn't make the team last summer but secured a place on the practice squad to continue his development. The Louisiana-Monroe product got another reserve/futures deal, but it already looks like an uphill task to force his way onto the 53-man roster.
If Vigers makes the practice squad again, that would be considered an achievement.
Add us as a preferred source on Google