Nick Allegretti - Commanders OL
The Washington Commanders are taking a bold leap of faith at center. Starting option Tyler Biadasz was surprisingly released, which caught everyone off guard. Adam Peters has also done very little to replace him, further raising concerns.
All signs point to Nick Allegretti being in pole position to replace Biadasz. The veteran interior lineman was being speculated as a cut candidate heading into the offseason, but the Commanders extended him instead. It's a big-time gamble, but there is quiet confidence around the Illinois product within David Blough's new blocking concepts.
Allegretti is the favorite, but he'll have to earn it. Performing well throughout the offseason, starting at OTAs, is the only way he'll cement the role. And if he struggles, the Commanders have other options they could turn to.
Day 3 pick Matt Gulbin has plenty of college starting experience and could push Allegretti. Dan Quinn also wants to see what Brandon Coleman can do from the anchor, so the center plans are not set in stone by any stretch.
Luke McCaffrey - Commanders WR
There remains speculation about the Commanders bringing in even more help in the wide receiver group. Terry McLaurin is the only one with legitimate production over a consistent period, which won't be enough if the offense wants to make the required strides under new coordinator David Blough.
Brandon Aiyuk and Stefon Diggs are the hot names, but it remains to be seen whether either will join the ranks. Until something is confirmed, the Commanders will get a longer look at the young pass-catchers seeking more responsibilities. That brings Luke McCaffrey firmly under the microscope.
McCaffrey is a curious case. The 2024 third-round pick gets open, but targets have been in short supply. He's carved out a niche for himself as a kick returner, and the former Rice standout was on track for Pro Bowl consideration before a broken collarbone put pay to that.
As things stand, McCaffrey looks set to occupy one of the starting roles. But he'll have several others also vying for his spot.
Dorance Armstrong Jr. - Commanders DE/OLB
Adam Peters was not going to spare any feelings when it came to improving the edge-rushing options this offseason. The Commanders desperately needed a shake-up in this critical area of the field, and Washington's front-office leader accomplished this successfully.
The Commanders spent big money on Odafe Oweh. K'Lavon Chaisson is betting on his breakout becoming something more with a one-year deal. Charles Omenihu brings power and versatility to the unit, and Washington also spent a Day 3 draft pick on Joshua Josephs.
Things look a lot more promising now. However, this raises the stakes exponentially for Dorance Armstrong Jr., who'll be looking to reaffirm his importance after his 2025 campaign ended abruptly.
Armstrong was in the midst of a breakout season before a serious knee injury. This was a body blow, but he's on track to make a full recovery. And based on his social media posts, he won't be giving up his spot without a fight.
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