The Washington Commanders' 2026 NFL Draft class only included six selections. Most of the attention has gone to the first two of those six: linebacker Sonny Styles and wide receiver Antonio Williams. But a much later pick is quickly making a case for himself.
Styles and Williams both figure to land immediate impact roles in the Commanders' plans. In the meantime, sixth-round running back Kaytron Allen has emerged as a name to watch in Washington's crowded backfield. The Penn State product has turned heads throughout early offseason camps, and it's only the beginning.
Last season, Washington struck gold on Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the seventh round. Early indications are that Adam Peters has done it again.
Commanders could have another big steal in sixth-round rookie Kaytron Allen
Sports Illustrated 's Justin Melo ranked his 10 best sleeper picks from the 2026 NFL Draft in a recent article, and Allen slotted in at No. 3.
"Washington Commanders sixth-round pick Kaytron Allen looked like one of the bigger steals during OTAs and minicamp. The physical ball carrier runs the football with an infectious amount of energy and physicality. He should look even more imposing at training camp once the pads come on. Allen is competing for reps in Washington's backfield with Rachaad White and Bill Croskey-Merritt. Expect the late Day Three selection to capture an immediate role in a rotation that lacks an obvious favorite."Justin Melo, Sports Illustrated
The Commanders have high hopes for Allen, and he has wasted no time solidifying himself as a potential fan-favorite. He prefers to go by "Fatman", which should endear him to Washington's fan base, especially if he ends up being a major contributor in new coordinator David Blough's offense.
Washington will likely use its backs by committee this season, and of the main three, all of them serve distinct roles. Croskey-Merritt, who has considerably bulked up this summer, is the home-run hitter. White is the third-down pass-catching threat. And the ground-pounding Allen will be there to punch opposing defenses in the mouth.
Blough comes from a coaching tree that loves to establish the run. If he can accomplish that in Washington, there will be plentiful opportunities for Allen to make his way on the field. Running back is a young man's position, and his burst can provide a spark.
Out of every position in the NFL, running back may be the easiest one to find late-round success stories in the draft. From the sound of it, the Commanders have unearthed another gem.
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