The Washington Commanders will be relying more on youth this season after general manager Adam Peters largely went away from aging veterans looking to chase a ring. But for his grand plan to work, the front-office leader will need his rookie class to play their part.
Some will be counted upon more than others. That typically goes with how high they were drafted, but this summer has also seen one or two perform way above expectations before Washington's preseason slate gets underway.
Before then, and based on the reports from Ashburn, we took a look at how Washington's 2026 training camp is shaping up so far.
Washington Commanders rookie updates at 2026 training camp
Fred Davis II, CB
The Commanders gave Fred Davis II a shot this offseason. He's got a family connection to the franchise, but he wants to become so much more. Unfortunately, the cornerback unit is pretty crowded despite the surprising retirement of Ahkello Witherspoon.
Davis has had some nice moments, and getting some valuable experience in the preseason will only help his cause. But it's starting to look like a place on the practice squad is the best he can hope for.
Verdict: Stock neutral
Jaden Bradley, WR
It's been a solid summer so far from Jaden Bradley. He's got the size and speed, and the wide receiver has made some tough catches look routine over camp. But much like the situation with Davis, he could fall victim to the numbers game.
The Commanders have a plethora of capable wideouts, and there are only so many places to go around. Unless Bradley emerges as an exceptional contributor in the preseason, a place on the practice squad will beckon to continue his encouraging development.
Verdict: Stock slightly up
Drew Stevens, PK
Washington is holding a genuine kicking competition between Drew Stevens and Jake Moody. Though Day 10 of camp was easily his worst, the overall body of work suggests that the undrafted player out of Iowa has the upper hand.
Stevens has the leg strength and accuracy to potentially be a long-term option. If he can handle the pressure of a typical game-day environment during the Commanders' warm-up slate, that could be enough to book his place on the 53-man roster at the expense of Moody.
Verdict: Stock up
Athan Kaliakmanis, QB
It was surprising to see the Commanders spend their final draft pick on quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis. They are treating him as a development project, and rightfully so. But the signs emanating from training camp indicate there is a lot of hard work ahead before confidence increases.
Kaliakmanis has some mechanical flaws to figure out. It was never going to be perfect, but a strong preseason is crucial. If he comes through these tests positively, the former Rutgers signal-caller should find his way onto the squad.
However, that is no guarantee.
Verdict: Stock slightly down
Matt Gulbin, C
There was hope Matt Gulbin could push Nick Allegretti for the starting center job right out of the gate. The concerns around the veteran are obvious, and some intriguing college production at Michigan State left the sixth-rounder with plenty of intrigue heading into his first summer in Washington.
It's not been smooth sailing for Gulbin. Allegretti got hurt, and he remained on the fringes. His roster spot won't be in jeopardy at this early stage, but there is a long way to climb before he earns the coaching staff's trust.
Verdict: Stock down
Kaytron Allen, RB
It didn't take long for Kaytron Allen to endear himself to the fan base. The running back made his intentions clear from the moment he got into the building. And as promised, he has come alive during padded practices at training camp.
Allen is explosive and decisive. His contact balance is right where it needs to be, and he's doing enough to stand out in a crowded room. If he builds on this positive momentum during the preseason, Penn State's all-time leading rusher could be a valuable short-yardage option working in a committee alongside Jacory Croskey-Merritt and free-agent signing Rachaad White.
Verdict: Stock up
Joshua Josephs, OLB
There are always a few surprises that emerge over camp. Fifth-round edge rusher Joshua Josephs is quickly becoming one of them. He's been a revelation this summer, and the Commanders must find ways to get him on the field if he keeps this up during their warm-up slate.
Josephs has remarkable explosiveness off the snap. He's got the bend to get around the edge effectively, and his ability when dropping back into coverage has taken almost everyone aback.
The Tennessee product has a key rotational role in his sights, and he may just get it.
Verdict: Stock way up
Antonio Williams, WR
The Commanders believed they had a steal at No. 71 overall in wide receiver Antonio Williams. He's done nothing to diminish this claim during his first training camp as an NFL professional.
Williams' sharp route-running, hand-eye coordination, and ball-tracking skills are as advertised. He looks a threat after the catch, turning his body quickly once the football is secured. And after an initial bedding-in period, his connection with quarterback Jayden Daniels is starting to blossom.
While the arrival of Stefon Diggs could eat into his targets, Williams looks more than capable of carving out a significant role for himself in Year 1.
Verdict: Stock up
Sonny Styles, LB
It's hard not to be impressed by do-it-all linebacker Sonny Styles. The size. The athleticism. The unrelenting desire to be the best and lead from the front. It's all there, and the Commanders might just have a franchise cornerstone on their hands when it's all said and done.
Styler has made the best possible impression. The speed to reach the ball-carrier is sublime. He can thrive as a pass-rusher and excel in coverage. He carries himself with the demeanor of a seasoned veteran, quickly winning the respect of the locker room en route to an important role.
Everything about Styles screams superstar. And don't be surprised if he puts together a Defensive Rookie of the Year campaign.
Verdict: Stock up
Add us as a preferred source on Google