Everyone on the 90-man roster is getting a chance to fight for what they want this offseason. The Washington Commanders wanted to raise urgency by increasing competition for places, and it has received a positive response from the players so far.
There is no more fascinating battle brewing than at the running back position. It's got everyone's attention early on, and Anthony Lynn is no closer to determining who the alpha dog is.
It seems the dynamic could shift toward a committee approach. There is strength in depth rather than focusing on one bell-cow to drive the offense. This is a conundrum to solve, but it's a nice problem for the Commanders to navigate before making informed decisions ahead of Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Commanders' running back competition has no clear frontrunner right now
Lynn pointed out that none of the options currently available have been considered undisputed starting options throughout their careers. One, sixth-round pick Kaytron Allen, is making his way as a rookie. Though the running backs coach is excited to see how things unfold, he doesn't think anyone is pulling ahead of the pack right now.
"Right now, I can't tell you there's one clear-cut starter. I can't. I think, but we'll see."
That might be coach-speak, especially at a relatively early stage of Washington's preparations. The Commanders are not going to crown anyone yet, but it's a sign they want to take a good look at everyone before trimming the fat.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt will be on the team. The same goes for free-agent signing Rachaad White, who made a strong impression at OTAs. Washington didn't spend a Day 3 pick on Allen to not take him through, which could leave Jerome Ford and Jeremy McNichols fighting it out for the final roster spot.
How carriers will be allocated is another source of debate. Lynn believes the group complements each other well. White and Croskey-Merritt have explosiveness. Allen is the power presence who wants to become something more. That might suffice, giving McNichols the advantage over Ford for RB4 as a special-teams asset.
Nothing can be said with any great certainty. The Commanders will push their players throughout mandatory minicamp, training camp, and the preseason. Everyone will get a fair chance, and those who impress will be rewarded. That's only going to make everyone better, in keeping with the mindset general manager Adam Peters wanted to install this offseason.
Lynn will be on hand to support them every step of the way. And when push comes to shove, his voice will be a leading one regarding how the dynamic will eventually shake out.
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