Commanders WR2 and WR3
Much has been made about the Washington Commanders' wide receiver options. Some believe more is needed, with the team being linked to almost every big-name free agent or potential trade target. General manager Adam Peters hasn't moved as yet, which indicates a willingness to let the young options behind Terry McLaurin fight it out this summer.
McLaurin is the alpha; that's not up for discussion. Several others will be fighting for the WR2 and WR3 roles, and they will all fancy their chances of securing their share of targets within David Blough's system.
Treylon Burks and Dyami Brown are reclamation projects. Luke McCaffrey, Jaylin Lane, undrafted free agent Jaden Bradley, and third-round rookie Antonio Williams are unproven. Van Jefferson Jr. at least has some previous production, but things have tailed off for the veteran pass-catcher in recent years.
The Commanders will be watching developments closely. If Peters isn't satisfied, acquiring another dependable wideout instantly becomes his top priority. But it's also worth remembering how much tight end Chig Okonkwo and running back Rachaad White are expected to feature in the passing attack.
This is hard to call. One could make a strong case for almost everybody. But looking at the scheme Blough plans to operate, Burks may end up on the outside with Williams in the slot to start the season.
Prediction: Treylon Burks (WR2), Antonio Williams (WR3-Slot).
Commanders RB1, RB2, and RB3
Neither Dan Quinn nor Anthony Lynn was sure how the running back dynamic would shake out this summer. The Commanders strengthened the room this offseason, and even though they don't have a truly elite backfield presence, offensive coordinator David Blough has the options to build a productive committee.
This will be something fans should watch closely over training camp and the preseason. Jacory Croskey-Merritt and free-agent signing Rachaad White are the likeliest to gain prominent involvement. Both have their strengths, and their respective skill sets seem to complement each other well if they did end up becoming a 1-2 punch.
Sixth-round rookie Kaytron Allen has not come to make up the numbers. He's got the physical presence to be a force in between the tackles and in the red zone. Croskey-Merritt and White are lacking in this regard, creating an opportunity to fill the void left by Chris Rodriguez Jr. if confidence in his capabilities increases.
Jerome Ford, Jeremy McNichols, and undrafted rookie Robert Henry Jr. are fighting it out for roster spots. But in terms of the starting dynamic, White could lead the charge, with Croskey-Merritt playing a large role and Allen being a power-back option when needed.
Prediction: Rachaad White (RB1), Jacory Croskey-Merritt (RB2), Kaytron Allen (RB3).
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