As we get closer to the start of training camps, NFL teams will continue their ongoing voluntary OTA sessions, capping their offseason programs with mandatory minicamps. While we watch for developments from the ongoing work, I'll be resetting some important battles heading into the summer. Last week, it was Quarterback Battles, Real and Imagined.
This week, we'll be diving into the pool of ambiguous backfields to better prepare for our inevitable exposure to them.
Who's in Command of Washington's Backfield?
This time last year, a seventh-round rookie in Washington began making waves. The stellar reports about running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt began during OTAs and minicamp.
Heading into training camp, the hype was difficult to ignore.
There's just something about Jacory Croskey-Merritt...
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) July 25, 2025
I have a feeling the Commanders rookie RB is going to be special.
He jumps off the screen.
Explosive
Runs violently
Fast feet
👀👀 pic.twitter.com/NeHxRXniJh
Then in August, the Commanders dealt their presumptive starter, Brian Robinson Jr., to the San Francisco 49ers.
In speaking with long-time local observers, like Ben Standig, who began reporting "Robinson is likely on his way out" a week before it happened, and ESPN.com's John Keim, the Croskey-Merritt drumbeat became a thunderous roar.
While he believed Croskey-Merritt was the most likely candidate to serve as lead back, Standig expected Chris Rodriguez Jr. to have a role -- perhaps at the goal line and in short-yardage situations.
Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols were also in the mix, making it difficult for fantasy investors to sort out their values.
In the end, nobody stood out -- although it's fair to say Croskey-Merritt exceeded expectations, finishing the season with 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns (highest among rookies) across 17 games, showcasing elite speed with a 72-yard touchdown run, and delivering an RB31 season.
Fast Forward to This Year
Ekeler, who suffered an Achilles injury in Week 2 last year, is healthy and hopes to play again. But it almost certainly won't be in Washington. Rodriguez, who hit career-high marks in touches (115), yardage (530), and touchdowns (six) in 2025, has moved on to Jacksonville as a free agent.
To help fill the void, the Commanders signed former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Rachaad White the day after Rodriguez left. Washington also added former Browns running back Jerome Ford and drafted Penn State's Kaytron Allen in the sixth round of April's draft.
With White, Allen, and Ford joining Croskey-Merritt and McNichols, this year's backfield appears to be every bit as -- if not more -- ambiguous than last season's.
But is it?
White operated as a feature back in 2023 and delivered his best season as a pro, rushing for 990 yards on 272 carries and six touchdowns, with 64 catches for 549 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns.
He finished that season as fantasy's RB4, but White has played a situational role since.
That's likely to be the case again this year.
As ESPN's Mike Clay notes, White is fine as a rusher, but he's a standout as a receiver. He's the only back in the NFL with 40-plus catches in each of the past four seasons, and his 89.1 percent career catch rate is easily best in NFL history among players with 100-plus targets.
Although Washington moved on from offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, David Blough likely keeps the status quo atop the depth chart.
Croskey-Merritt and White will split most of the touches.
Their current Average Draft Positions (ADPs) suggest the fantasy hive mind is on board with that. Croskey-Merritt is RB38. White is RB39. Both are going in Round 9 of early drafts.
According to Bleacher Report's Moe Moton, Ford could spell both of them while McNichols remains a valuable pass-blocking asset.
Following back-to-back 1,100-plus-yard rushing seasons at Penn State, Allen could become Croskey-Merritt's primary backup if Ford misses time or is cut before the season.
Could Allen Be More?
During a conversation with Eric Williams of FOX Sports, head coach Dan Quinn highlighted how Allen brings something a little different to what the Commanders already have in their backfield. There is excitement in the building, and the coach is eager to see how things shake out over the summer.
"He has good size and likes to get downhill. Having another back that has size, can put his foot in the ground and be aggressive, those are the styles of running backs that carry. We're excited to put him in the mix and let the whole thing kind of develop."
The early reports around Allen have been glowing.
Those in attendance at Washington's rookie minicamp were impressed by his size, power, and balance during practices. The player's production over his final two years at Penn State offers even more reason for encouragement.
Allen isn't the most dynamic runner. He doesn't have elite breakaway speed, and he wouldn't be classed as a game-changing force by any stretch. However, he looks like a ready-made replacement for Rodriguez Jr.
As Footballguy Sigmund Bloom suggested, "Allen taking over this backfield -- for at least this year -- is not outlandish."
Allen is being drafted as RB62. The 16th-round price tag makes him a viable late-round flier in early best-ball drafts.