There is more buzz around running back Kaytron Allen than most sixth-round picks. The Washington Commanders struck gold with Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the seventh round last year, and there is a growing belief that general manager Adam Peters may have achieved the same again.
The Commanders will give Allen a chance to prove himself. He got off to a good start at Washington's rookie minicamp, but it's only the first step. However, if this is the start of things to come over the summer, the Penn State product could become a power presence on early downs.
That's the best-case scenario. But either way, one NFL Draft analyst believes Allen has more than enough in his arsenal to force one of the veteran running backs off the roster when the time for final cuts arrives.
Commanders rookie Kaytron Allen could push established veteran off the Week 1 roster
Justin Melo of Sports Illustrated named Allen the steal of the sixth round. The analyst thought his physicality and vision were already NFL-ready, so he is expecting big things from the former Nittany Lions standout as a potential high-end contributor.
"Kaytron Allen left Penn State as the program's all-time rushing leader (4,180 yards) after concluding his college career with consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Allen is a powerful and productive runner with NFL-caliber size and vision.
"The Washington Commanders have a crowded running back room, but it lacks high-end talent. Rachaad White, Jeremy McNichols, Bill Croskey-Merritt, and Jerome Ford are all jockeying for position on the depth chart and snaps. One of them will probably get cut this offseason to make room for the rookie runner."
Obviously, tempering expectations would be wise initially. Allen's production at the college level needs no introduction. Doing the same at the game's pinnacle will be much tougher, but running backs tend to transition much quicker than other positions.
One only has to look at Croskey-Merritt's first-year surge in Washington last season to see that. If Allen can come anywhere close to these lofty heights, this will quickly become another shrewd choice by Peters.
As Melo stated, the Commanders are well-stocked at the running back spot. They have Croskey-Merritt. Jeremy McNichols got another one-year deal. Washington signed Rachaad White and Jerome Ford in free agency. Add Allen into the mix, and the competition for place is going to be a fascinating dynamic to watch as preparations for the new season unfold.
The Commanders think they may have something in Allen. If he can meet these projections, Washington's long-term backfield plan could revolve around two Day 3 selections nobody gave a chance.
Wouldn't that be something...
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