Tyler Owens - Commanders S
The Washington Commanders got much more than they bargained for with Tyler Owens last offseason. An injury prevented the physically imposing safety from defensive involvement in 2024, but he'll harbor much greater ambitions this time around.
Owens enters his second year with the Commanders. He's got the added benefit of experience within the same schematic concepts. There's also an opening for an expanded role if everything goes according to plan.
Praise has been glowing for the likes of Jeremy Reaves and Percy Butler of late. Quan Martin and Will Harris are the projected starters, which raises urgency for Owens to make a splash. It's something he accomplished last summer as an undrafted free agent rookie. Doing so again will be crucial.
Jeremy Chinn's departure leaves a gaping hole that must be filled. Owens has the athletic profile to step into the rotation, but the margin for error remains razor-thin.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Commanders RB
There aren't many seventh-round picks with more hype around them than Jacory Croskey-Merritt. The running back isn't carrying himself like an unheralded draft selection. He's coming for an important role immediately and will stop at nothing to achieve this objective.
Croskey-Merrit is chomping at the bit to get involved. He's making up for some lost time after having his eligibility revoked by the NCAA in 2024. His draft stock plummeted as a result, but the Commanders are quietly confident they have a steal on their hands.
Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler will lead the charge once again. All bets are off aside from that, so Croskey-Merritt will fancy his chances of carving out a role for himself.
If he can keep up his exceptional start when things get more competitive at training camp and the preseason, Croskey-Merritt is a lock to make the team. It might even be enough for his share of carries right out of the gate.
Robert McDaniel - Commanders DB
Once seen as an unfancied player with little chance of cracking the roster, opinions are slowly changing around Robert McDaniel. The defensive back was among the most surprising contributors over early workouts, even seeing some work with the first-string defense along the way.
McDaniel has the size and versatility to be a surprise nobody sees coming. He can operate in the slot, as a box safety, and even in coverage on the backend. The physical build is a lot similar to Jeremy Chinn, whom the Commanders let walk in free agency for the Las Vegas Raiders, but expecting that production is unrealistic.
The former Jackson State standout has momentum to build upon. Much more is needed to secure a roster spot, but McDaniel has done enough for a legitimate shot.
A place on the practice squad seems more likely, but that's not to say McDaniel cannot force the issue with a strong summer.