The Washington Commanders never had a shot at landing Jeremiyah Love. However, general manager Adam Peters may have found some tremendous value a little further down the draft order.
It was already a pretty crowded running back room, with Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White, Jerome Ford, and Jeremy McNichols leading the charge. Almost all of those are finesse runners. What the Commanders needed was a physical presence, and Peters had the perfect candidate in mind.
Kaytron Allen was the choice at No. 187 overall. While the move was somewhat surprising, one Penn State expert believes the Commanders may have found a potential steal if they utilize their new backfield weapon correctly.
Commanders now have a ground-and-pound backfield threat in Kaytron Allen
Sydney Ciano from Victory Bell Rings acknowledged how well Allen stepped up for the Nittany Lions as more of a focal point last season. He doesn't have the elite-level burst associated with game-breaking backs in the league, but if the Commanders deploy him as an early-down option to gain hard yards in between the tackles, the expert believes this could be a solid Day 3 acquisition.
"All eyes were on [Kaytron] Allen in 2025, emerging as Penn State’s top running back after being Nicholas Singleton’s “Robin” in his first three years. His usefulness comes in early down situations due to his lack of explosiveness and ability to get into the second level. He’s a solid Day 3 draft pick."
Croskey-Merritt is the off-tackle burner with elusiveness in open space. White is the dual-threat capable of impacting proceedings on the ground and in the passing game. If Allen transitions smoothly, this will be the ground-and-pound option that new offensive coordinator David Blough needs to set the tone.
Allen hasn't come to settle. He's already declared an intent to hit the ground running in Washington. Joining a backfield consisting of so many other alternatives and quarterback Jayden Daniels should give him all the motivation needed.
Peters got some outstanding returns from his Day 3 running back last year. While expectations should be tempered with Allen, given he isn't exactly a home-run threat, that doesn't mean he cannot be effective in the right role.
The Commanders' offense lacks a little bit of dynamism. But with Allen, they now have an aggressive runner who can plow through tackles and do the dirty work needed. And if that is enough to keep defenses honest, Washington's entire dynamic will change for others.
And the player, fondly known as 'Fatman' for being heavy as a baby, could also become a cult hero among the fan base in no time at all.
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