Commanders running backs (4)
- Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Jeremy McNichols.
The Washington Commanders' ground game regressed as the season went on. Kliff Kingsbury's offense was far too reliant on Jayden Daniels, which he's more than capable of. However, it's a trend that cannot continue moving forward.
Adam Peters opted to keep faith with the options already available. Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler will once again play key roles in the final year of their respective deals. However, there's a growing belief that the Commanders might have a steal on their hands with seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
If Croskey-Merritt takes on coaching, he's got a good chance of establishing himself right out of the gate. If he needs a little longer, Jeremy McNichols is perfectly capable of manning the third spot behind Ekeler and Robinson.
Commanders tight ends (3)
- Zach Ertz, Ben Sinnott, John Bates.
Standing pat at the tight end position was all but assured this offseason. The Commanders rewarded Zach Ertz with a new one-year deal after his exceptional contribution to their sterling 2024 efforts. He's not getting any younger, but the three-time Pro Bowler proved there is plenty left in the tank after reuniting with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
Washington also tied down John Bates to a long-term commitment. The blocking specialist is one of the league's best at his craft. He's the perfect complement to Ertz, who's more of a possession pass-catcher and red zone threat at this stage of his career.
Hopes are high that Ben Sinnott can become more influential after the second-round pick was used sparingly as a rookie. The Commanders took four tight ends through last season. They might not need that many this time around, leaving Colson Yankoff out of luck.
Commanders wide receivers (6)
- Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel Sr., Noah Brown, Jaylin Lane, Luke McCaffrey, Michael Gallup.
The Commanders' wide receiver room has a nice mix of explosiveness and youthful exuberance entering the 2025 season. Adam Peters struck a telling blow by trading for Deebo Samuel Sr., whose versatility and dynamism look tailor-made for Kliff Kingsbury's schematic concepts.
Terry McLaurin remains the undisputed alpha, and he could get a new deal before Week 1 rolls around. Noah Brown re-signed to a one-year deal. He'll be tasked with providing a physically imposing downfield threat capable of accumulating big plays and defensive pass interference penalties.
Luke McCaffrey should improve after being brought along gradually as a rookie. Jaylin Lane, the No. 128 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, has the traits capable of carving out an immediate role for himself. A chance is also taken on Michael Gallup, who came out of retirement to join Dan Quinn's ambitious project.