Chris Rodriguez Jr. - Commanders RB
The running back dynamic is shifting. Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler remain atop the depth chart, but the emergence of seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt has put everyone else vying for roster spots firmly on notice.
One of those is Chris Rodriguez Jr. The former sixth-rounder stuck around with the Washington Commanders this offseason after flashing promise when carries came his way on a limited basis last season. That was a big vote of confidence, but the cards are stacked against the Kentucky product in pursuit of making the squad.
Rodriguez has been fighting to stay relevant almost from the moment he got into the league. He's overcome adversity before, and he'll be aiming to do the same again. However, it's hard to look at his current predicament with much confidence.
Expect to see purposeful rushing from Rodriguez when his number is called. But the importance of outshining Croskey-Merritt cannot be overstated.
Ja'Corey Brooks - Commanders WR
Competition for places in the wide receiver room is incredibly fierce. There aren't many spots to go around, and everyone has been given a bigger chance to stake a claim with Terry McLaurin holding out. Very few places remain, but nobody is giving up just yet.
This will be decided by the finest margins. All it'll take is one big play or one crucial mistake to flip the script during Washington's preseason slate. And the microscope will be closer than ever on Ja'Corey Brooks.
The undrafted free agent started camp impressively. Brooks dealt with some concentration issues after that, but he's got the physical tools to make a difference if he proves worthy of the opportunity.
That's the most difficult challenge. And the only way Brooks is going to force the issue is by dominating when targets come his way.
Last season's outstanding production at Louisville should serve him well. But if Brooks doesn't know it already, this is the big leagues.
Colson Yankoff - Commanders TE
Zach Ertz and John Bates will get the night off in New England. That leaves the Commanders depending on Ben Sinnott and Colson Yankoff as their expected tight end tandem during the preseason contest.
Sinnott is a lock to make the team, but that's not quite the case with Yankoff. The former undrafted free agent out of UCLA did remarkably well to make the 53-man squad against all odds in 2024. He didn't see much time on the field, but the experience of being around throughout a memorable campaign for the franchise should serve him well.
It doesn't guarantee anything this time around. Yankoff has to prove himself all over again. He's flashed encouraging promise this summer. How he performs in the preseason will go a long way toward determining his fate.
Washington had four tight ends on the roster last season. Yankoff must leave no doubt that they have to do the same again.