Commanders Open 3-Day Minicamp, Split Roster to Test Depth

Q: Can an undrafted rookie's perfect minicamp unseat the veteran for the starting kicker job?

Yes. Drew Stevens’ perfect minicamp keeps him firmly in the race and gives him a real chance to beat out veteran Jake Moody, but it does not settle the job by itself. The key factor is that Washington has made this an open competition. Special teams coordinator Larry Izzo has said the battle is on an “even playing field,” and the team’s recent search for stability at kicker suggests it is willing to choose whoever is most reliable, regardless of draft status. Stevens helped his case by going 6-for-6 in minicamp, including a 54-yarder, while bringing a strong college résumé from Iowa with proven range and production. Moody still has advantages. He is the incumbent, has NFL game experience, and finished last season well, making 10 of 11 field goals over six games. That matters more than a few June practices. Coaches will want to see how both kickers handle repeated pressure situations, operation timing, and day-to-day consistency once training camp intensifies. What makes Stevens a legitimate threat is the nature of the position. Kicker jobs are often decided strictly by results, and teams regularly move on from veterans if a cheaper younger option proves equally dependable. If Stevens continues to match or exceed Moody in camp and preseason accuracy, especially from makeable distances, he can absolutely win the starting job. So the minicamp performance was meaningful, but the real test will come in training camp and preseason, where consistency usually decides these battles.

Q: Who will emerge from the Commanders' crowded backfield to claim the starting running back role?

Jacory Croskey-Merritt is the best bet to lead Washington’s backfield, but the Commanders do not appear headed toward a true single-feature starter. The clearest signal from minicamp and the broader offseason is that Croskey-Merritt has the inside track. He returned to full participation, showed the vision and burst coaches wanted to see, and outside reporting identifies him as the back with the strongest chance to emerge as the lead runner after pacing the team in rushing last season. Dan Quinn’s comments also suggest the staff views him as a major piece, even as they want more from him in pass protection and the passing game. Still, Quinn has been explicit that this will likely be a committee. Rachaad White is expected to handle a significant receiving role and could be the preferred option in passing situations. Rookie Kaytron Allen has drawn attention for his physical running style and may carve out short-yardage and between-the-tackles work once padded practices begin. Veterans Jerome Ford and Jeremy McNichols add more competition and situational flexibility. So the most likely outcome is Croskey-Merritt as Washington’s primary early-down runner, with White, Allen and others sharing meaningful snaps based on situation. If Croskey-Merritt improves enough in protection and as a receiver during training camp, he has the best chance to separate himself most clearly from the pack.

3 articles · Updated · Washington Commanders · Jun 16

Washington opened its three-day minicamp Tuesday by dividing players into two groups, giving lightly used reserves a full practice while regulars handled walkthroughs and conditioning to evaluate depth before training camp.
Dan Quinn said the setup was designed to assess the roster "top to bottom," creating extra reps for battles such as the No. 3 quarterback competition between Athan Kaliakmanis and Sam Hartman.
Kaliakmanis made the most of that work, connecting repeatedly with Jaden Bradley in team drills and a two-minute sequence, while Hartman ended practice with a pick-six by cornerback Fred Davis II.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt returned as a full participant after working on a side field during OTAs, and undrafted kicker Drew Stevens hit all 6 field-goal attempts with a long of 54 yards.
Quinn also praised first-rounder Sonny Styles for mastering defensive calls early, while saying Washington's unsettled No. 2 receiver spot and deeper backfield should remain key camp storylines.