Kaytron Allen - Commanders RB
Rookie running back Kaytron Allen promised fireworks when the pads came on at training camp, and he delivered accordingly. The physical aspect of playing the position is something he clearly relishes, and opportunity knocks for the sixth-round pick in the coming weeks.
The Washington Commanders should get a lot of work into Allen throughout their preseason engagements. These contests are always the biggest measuring sticks for players looking to carve out a path, and the Penn State product is no exception. If he can play well, becoming a key part of the backfield committee is a legitimate possibility.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt and free-agent signing Rachaad White will lead the way. Neither would be classed as a forceful rusher in between the tackles. But that is why the Commanders identified Allen as someone who could provide immediate assistance with a smooth transition.
Allen is not lacking confidence. Don't be surprised if he maximizes every touch to convince the coaching staff he's worthy of rookie involvement.
Colson Yankoff - Commanders TE
There is significant buzz surrounding tight end Colson Yankoff right now. The 2024 undrafted free agent has come up with countless big plays in the passing game during training camp, almost guaranteeing his roster spot. But if he wants more, proving himself in a preseason environment is pivotal.
Yankoff has only been playing tight end for a couple of years. The development has been gradual, but this has been his most accomplished summer by a considerable margin. If he can keep making tough catches in a typical game-day setting, that's only going to strengthen his claims for an expanded role.
The Commanders have free-agent signing Chig Okonkwo, blocking specialist John Bates, and 2024 second-round pick Ben Sinnott as their top three tight ends. Yankoff is next in line, but flashing throughout Washington's warm-up slate could help the UCLA product close the gap.
He will be a player to watch extremely closely. And Yankoff must deliver.
Quan Martin - Commanders DB
It's hard to overstate how important this preseason is for Quan Martin. The defensive back has had a quiet summer working with the second- and third-string units. Unless he can stand out, the 2023 second-round selection could find himself on the outside looking in.
That would have been an inconceivable notion this time last year.
Martin was projected as a legitimate breakout candidate, but he struggled in almost every phase before being taken out of the firing line. Given this is also a contract year for the Illinois product, the stakes could not be any higher.
Others are clearly being preferred right now. New defensive coordinator Daronte Jones was trying to find ways to get Martin onto the field earlier this offseason, but that desire seems to be fading. It's now or never for the fourth-year pro, and anything less than flawless production may have grave consequences attached.
Martin cannot get outperformed. Simply put, he is hanging by a thread.
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