Luke McCaffrey - Commanders WR
There seems to be more confidence about the wider receiver in the building than among fans and sections of the media. The Washington Commanders have been touted as a landing spot for almost every dependable veteran remaining on the market, but Adam Peters has not made a move as yet.
And he may not.
Peters will be closely watching the young wideouts aiming for more involvement in the early stages of training camp. They'll get the first shot, and if he isn't satisfied, that's when measures will be taken. That pits the onus squarely on the players, so if there was ever a chance for Luke McCaffrey to take the next step, it's now.
McCaffrey became a high-quality kick returner last season, but that's not why the Commanders drafted him in the third round. The training wheels have to come off after two years, and if he rises to the challenge, he'll be part of David Blough's offensive plans.
Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB
It might be a bit harsh on Mike Sainristil to find himself on this list. But after an inconsistent year from the cornerback in 2025, he's got a massive point to prove this time around.
Sainristil has talent. He can create takeaways and is an instinctive force when firing on all cylinders. Unfortunately, he was often targeted as a weak link with great success. And for all the interceptions he accumulated, the Michigan product gave up even more explosive plays.
That's a problem. But the presence of new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones has the scope to find a happy medium for this feast-or-famine defensive back.
Jones knows how to coach defensive backs. He's accomplished in this field, and it's a big reason why he got promoted. Sainristil could be among the primary beneficiaries, and moving him back to the outside behind a stronger front seven might be the key to unlocking his true potential.
Jerome Ford - Commanders RB
Fans should be excited to see the running back dynamic kick into another gear at training camp. Nothing is set in stone, and everyone will get a chance to change perceptions and book their places on the squad. Not everyone will, which makes it all the more fascinating.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White are the favorites to be Washington's 1-2 punch. Neither is especially physical in between the tackles, which is probably why Adam Peters spent a sixth-round pick on Kaytron Allen. Jeremy McNichols has special-teams value, and undrafted rookie Robert Henry Jr. shouldn't be counted out either.
There is also Jerome Ford. The free-agent signing became an afterthought last season as Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson took center stage for the Cleveland Browns. Though disappointing, the Commanders were willing to give him a fresh start.
Ford has home-run capabilities. If he puts these on display throughout camp and the preseason, he'll be difficult to leave off the roster.
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