Matt Gulbin - Commanders OL
The Washington Commanders are navigating rough waters on the offensive line. Things looked a bit more stable against the Seattle Seahawks early, but the unit floundered late. This is an ongoing concern, and it'll be interesting to see what adjustments can be made to improve.
Regardless of the decisions Washington is making, it seems as if Matt Gulbin hasn't built up enough trust yet to feature much.
With Sam Cosmi missing Week 3 with a concussion, the Commanders went with recent arrival Lucas Patrick at center, with Nick Allegretti moving to right guard. Gulbin, who played center well in college, was probably disappointed, but he did get some reps on the interior with mixed success when Patrick was briefly forced off the field.
Gulbin isn't blocking much on special teams, either. The Commanders are valuing experience, so things would have to go completely off the rails for the Michigan State product to feature.
- Verdict: Stock Slightly Down ⬇️
Kaytron Allen - Commanders RB
Kaytron Allen came into the Commanders with lofty ambitions to be the tone-setting backfield force the team lacked. We are only three games in, but the sixth-round pick has a lot of work ahead before he can take on this mantle.
Allen has been used sparingly so far, even though the ground game has failed to generate much momentum. Much of that can be blamed on the offensive line, but nine carries through three games isn't what the Penn State product envisioned when he was so bullish in the summer.
With the stakes incredibly high against the Seahawks, Allen wasn't involved. The Commanders rolled with Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachhaad White instead. That might change down the road, but Austin Ekeler coming into the fold may push the first-year pro even further down the pecking order.
Nobody was expecting miracles from Allen, of course. But his hopes of becoming a focal point in Year 1 appear to be fading slightly.
- Verdict: Stock Down ⬇️
Joshua Josephs - Commanders OLB
After impressing over the summer, there was real intrigue about how Joshua Josephs would fit into new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones' scheme. He's not a prominent feature, which isn't surprising, but the Tennessee product is maximizing his opportunities.
Josephs flashed when generating pressure over the first two weeks. He needed a more well-rounded effort against the Seahawks in Week 3, and you can't help but be impressed by how he went about his business.
The fifth-round selection gained five tackles and one tackle for loss. Josephs has been credited with two run stops over three games so far. Considering he's only been on the field for 20 percent of the team's defensive snaps, that's a solid foundation to build on.
With the Commanders dealing with some injury issues, Josephs should keep getting chances. His comfort level is growing, and his combination of length and athleticism can cause problems.
- Verdict: Stock Up ⬆️
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