The preseason is almost over, with one more joint practice and game to go against the Baltimore Ravens this week. The Washington Commanders visited the Detroit Lions for the second game, and we got a one-series look at Jayden Daniels, then some extended time with the backups. There were some bottom of the roster guys that stood out like WRs Jaden Bradley and Nick Nash. Sixth-round pick Kaytron “Fatman” Allen takes the lead as top preseason back. Is there really a competition for QB3? Two defenders
make some noise at the bottom of the depth chart.
Mason/Brennan Preseason Hype! Award History
Former Washington Redskins 6th-round draft pick Colt Brennan was a star in college at the University of Hawaii and brought that hype with him to Washington in 2008. Brennan was a cult sensation during his brief time here, and was the inspiration for the annual Mason/Brennan Preseason Hype! Awards here at Hogs Haven. Brennan passed away at the way-too-young age of 37 five years ago.
This was started as a tongue-in-cheek tribute to players that fans push to the moon before they play a snap, or after one great performance in the preseason. But it also puts the focus on some of the unheralded players who fans hype up and have a fighter’s chance at making Washington’s roster. Colt Brennan was a great college player that lit up the preseason, but injuries and other issues saw him flame out in the NFL early. RIP Colt and thanks for the inspiration.
The Rules:
1. Player must have been drafted late or signed by the Redskins as an undrafted free agent. Players that have only been on other teams practice squads that are signed by the team are also eligible.
2. A player that has been on the team for several years is still eligible if most of that time has been spent on the practice squad, inactive, or with very limited productivity/time
The Keenan “the Barbarian” Robinson Amendment: only 6th-round draft picks or later for their first two years in the league.
The Nominees:
Jaden Bradley, WR – UDFA (2026) – Jaden Bradley was an early camp hype favorite, getting talking about by coaches, reporters, and fans. He had a decent first game, but Bradley got national attention with a great one-handed catch with his other arm locked up for a DPI penalty. If you get Baldy saying you had the catch of the week, you’ve got the right kind of preseason hype!
Nick Nash, WR – FA (2026) – Who the heck is Nick Nash, and where did he come from? That was the question a lot of people were asking when Athan Kaliakmanis threw a bomb to him down the sideline for 55 yards. He had another catch for 7 yards on the same drive, but Nash’s big catch got him on the hype radar.
Kaytron “Fatman” Allen, RB – 6th round (2026) – It looked like rookies Kaytron Allen and Robert Henry Jr. were in a competition for a roster spot last week, but Fatman stepped up while Henry disappeared. The Commanders didn’t run much vs the Lions, but Allen was the lead back and was the only one who could find some room to run against Detroit’s defense.
Athan Kaliakmanis, QB – 7th round (2026) – Jayden Daniels was only in for a 3-play series, and Marcus Mariota is out for the rest of the preseason with an MCL sprain. That leaves a lot of playing time for Athan Kaliakmanis and Sam Hartman, who were rotating series against the Lions. Kaliakmanis once again showed he’s got the better arm, hitting Nick Nash on the biggest play of the day.
T.J. Maguranyanga, DE – IPP (2025) – The former rugby player made his presence known against the Lions Saturday afternoon. Maguranyanga is with the Commanders for his second season as part of the International Pathway Players program, and he’s looking to make the roster again. He had a sack against Detroit, and has been making plays during training camp, and getting more opportunities due to some injuries. Can he do it again next week?
Jeffrey M’ba, DT – UDFA (2026) – M’ba is another undrafted defensive player that’s eligible for the IPP program. He was signed after the draft this year, and has been making plays in the preseason. There are injuries at the position, with Johnny Newton’s pec tear creating depth questions. Can M’ba push for a spot?
