Hogs Haven
Editor’s note: Each day, Hogs Haven compiles a collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, with a sprinkling of other stuff. Enjoy!
Some surprises could be on the way
Commanders running back committee
The Commanders have an intriguing battle brewing in the running back room. Dan Quinn wasn’t sure how the dynamic would shake out, but he did hint at a committee approach. That is the best way to keep everyone fresh and firing on all cylinders, and Washington now has the options available to deploy this approach.
Croskey-Merritt will play a role. Free-agent signing Rachaad White looks like a potential focal point. Sixth-round rookie Kaytron Allen brings a physical presence. Jerome Ford, Jeremy McNichols, and undrafted free-agent Robert Henry Jr. have also caught the eye over offseason workouts.
Not everyone will make the team, but there is genuine strength in depth that Blough can put to extremely good use when the regular season begins.
Last Man Standig
Washington has selected 20 players over three NFL Drafts under General Manager Adam Peters and head coach Quinn. All 20 made the initial 53-player roster during their respective rookie seasons, and only one (Dominque Hampton) is no longer with the team. That’s some good history for the six players that comprise the Commanders’ 2026 class.
Allen, Penn State’s all-time leading rusher, fits perfectly into a potential three-back committee with Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White. Even if Allen lags behind others in touches, his power style gives him a chance to carve out a meaningful role.
Though likely on the short end of the workload, Allen’s power style puts him in position for short yardage and interior runs.
If forced to include a caveat, Washington may only have room for three running backs based on projected depth and roster battles at other spots. Jeremy McNichols survived final cuts in each of the previous two seasons due to his versatility and reliability as a runner, receiver and pass protector. The resolution more likely lands on the Commanders keeping four backs rather than releasing the rookie to make room for the veteran.
For more from Ben Standig, click here
Pro Football Focus
Rank 12—Jayden DanielsWashington Commanders · QB
Injuries marred Daniels’ sophomore NFL season, as he couldn’t quite recapture the form that earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2024. Playing in just seven games, Daniels earned a 74.9 PFF passing grade, ranking 18th among qualifying quarterbacks, while his 6.7 yards per pass attempt ranked 27th.
One of the biggest reasons for Daniels’ struggles in 2025 was his difficulty handling pressure. Opposing defenses blitzed him...
