Commanders News: Chase Young, Emmanuel Forbes, Percy Butler and Kazmeir Allen
By Dean Jones
Commanders WR/KR Kazmeir Allen could surprise
When the 2023 NFL Draft concluded, the Washington Commanders made signing Kazmeir Allen among their top priorities. The dynamic wide receiver and kick returner was hotly coveted after surprisingly not hearing his name called, but there is a genuine chance of earning a 53-man roster spot given the esteem in which he is held by Ron Rivera and his staff.
There is plenty of competition for places in Washington. Much will depend on what occurs during the preseason, but Allen was tipped by Bryce Ewing from Yardbarker to potentially surprise in 2023 if he does enough to make the team.
"[Kazmeir] Allen set a national record with 72 touchdowns during his senior year of high school before winning the CIF state title in the 100-meter dash. He then gained 2,366 all-purpose yards with 12 touchdowns while playing all over the field for UCLA. After Allen went undrafted, the Commanders were quick to bring him in. When asked about the return game during Washington’s rookie minicamp, head coach Ron Rivera spoke highly of Allen. In the past three years, 10 players have returned a punt or a kick for the Commanders. Look for the versatile Allen to get lots of touches in preseason games and to settle in as Washington’s primary returner in 2023."
- Bryce Ewing, Yardbarker
There does appear to be an opening at the kick returner position, although Dax Milne and others also fancy their chances of involvement. Making every rep count during warmup games and joint practices with the Baltimore Ravens is the best way for the one-time UCLA star to cement his position, which could go either way as it stands.