Washington Commanders running back Kaytron Allen has been waiting for the training camp intensity to arrive. And if the rookie can excel, there could be a role to play in Year 1 of his professional career.
Allen is a physical presence. He might only be a sixth-round pick, but the all-time leading rusher at Penn State has not come just to make up the numbers. Even though there are no guarantees whatsoever, team writer Zach Selby thinks this could be the answer to Washington's short-yardage problems in key moments.
"There aren't any guarantees for (Kaytron) Allen as a sixth-round pick, but if he can carve out the role the coaches want him to, it could go a long way towards helping the Commanders pick up short third-down yardage and stay on the field."
This is what the Commanders envisaged when they took a chance on Allen. His lack of explosiveness and game-changing speed saw his draft stock slide, but he looks like a good scheme fit for Washington.
The Commanders have Jacory Croskey-Merritt and free-agent signing Rachaad White to provide the home-run element to the backfield. Neither player would be classed as a bruising force, but that is not the case with Allen.
He wants to be more than just a power back. Allen is confident about making a difference as a blocker and in the passing game. It might take a little longer to become the total package. But while he works on other areas of his game, being a short-yardage option and red-zone threat isn't a bad place to start.
Allen is confident that fans and coaches will see what he's all about when the pads go on at training camp. He's got violent intentions, and he's already declared an intent to push every teammate in the coming weeks. Not the typical attitude of a Day 3 pick looking to make their way, but this might not be your average rookie.
It's not hard to see why the Commanders were enamored with Allen. They value character and work ethic highly. It's just as important as talent, and the back has both in abundance.
If everything goes well for Allen at camp and the preseason, the Commanders have an opening.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. was used as the hard-yards back in between the tackles last season, but he's now on the Jacksonville Jaguars. White and Croskey-Merritt bring the finesse, but the No. 187 overall selection can bring the nastiness to do the dirty work.
That would be a win-win for everybody. But Allen has to earn it just like everyone else.
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