The Washington Commanders entered training camp last week with several questions. Almost everyone believed that the Commanders didn't do enough at wide receiver. There were concerns about the center position, but last month's signing of Rasul Douglas may have strengthened the cornerback position.
Another position often scrutinized was Washington's running backs. Was 2025 seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt a No. 1 lead back? Why did Rachaad White not have a stronger free-agent market? Did the Commanders have one player capable of carrying the load?
If you watched the Commanders last season, you'd know that Croskey-Merritt wasn't your typical seventh-rounder. An NCAA eligibility issue ruined his final season, which tanked his draft stock.
He led Washington in rushing and touchdowns last season, despite starting only seven games.
White has rushed for 2,600 yards and caught 205 passes in four NFL seasons. He's scored 25 touchdowns and is also excellent in pass protection. Also, White is only 27 years old.
The Commanders also have sixth-round rookie Kaytron Allen — Penn State's all-time leading rusher — dependable, reliable and versatile veteran Jeremy McNichols, Jerome Ford and undrafted rookie Robert Henry Jr. Each of these players brings a different and unique skill set.
Head coach Dan Quinn isn't a bit worried about his running back.
"This is also a good time for them because in practice, it's the tracks, it's catching, it's movements, but now there's contact," Quinn said Monday about the first practice in pads. "And honestly, the games are the best for them because did he break that tackle or did he not? And so, you don't know that. But having contact for the running backs at the line of scrimmage, running through things, that's a big deal. It's a very deep group right now. They have different skills. So, like, over the next few weeks, I'm excited to see. But, like, one to six, all these guys can play. And I'm excited to see, it's gonna take a while."
Maybe it's a good thing that each of the Commanders' running backs has something to prove. Maybe Washington doesn't need one player to carry it 25 times. What if this perfectly imperfect group actually becomes a team strength?
The Commanders have been in training camp for less than a week, but one thing we may already know is that Washington's running back position is no longer a concern.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders' running back position could be a team strength
