Hogs Haven
Commanders rookies reported for training camp on Friday. Oh, and quarterbacks and some others coming off injury. All that’s standard, allowing the new folks a few days to get settled in before the full squad reports on Tuesday.
This pre-camp period came without much fanfare, though it’s an important stretch to help the rookies hit the ground running next week while battling for roles and roster spots ahead of this 2026 campaign.
It’s a seven-week stress test full of meetings, practices and walk-throughs where attention’s fully on football. Seeing how these players navigate their first camp will be revealing, though evaluation isn’t keyed to those avoiding mistakes. It’s about learning from them and maintaining the proper pace of absorbing information and then applying it.
Washington needs several rookies to make an instant impact, while developing others for contributions over a longer term.
There are several we’ll be watching closely in camp. And, yes, No. 7 overall pick Sonny Styles sits atop the list. We’ll write a ton about him this summer, so he gets a pass here. There are quite a few more tabs to keep moving forward. Let’s identify a few, including members of the draft class and those signed after it was complete.
Antonio Williams carries high expectations into the 2026 season, likely higher than his draft slot demands. Part of that’s out of necessity, considering the glaring hole at the No. 2 spot opposite Terry McLaurin. Scary Terry’s the other component, considering he was a third-round pick who burst onto the scene with a strong rookie season.
All that pressure’s maybe a bit unfair for someone selected No. 71 overall and the ninth receiver selected, but here we are, hoping all the “draft steal” talk pans out. Williams is slippery and a top-tier separator, which should help him fit into new coordinator David Blough’s offense.
It’s less important whether Williams plays inside or outside and more about whether he can build trust with quarterback Jayden Daniels in time to contribute this season. Moving from college to the NFL is a tough transition for receivers, maybe one of the toughest. The coverage is tighter and more physical, and better disguised that even guys from top programs are used to seeing. Then there’s multiple receiver positions to learn and timing to nail and unspoken communication to master.
That’s, well, a lot. It’ll be interesting to see how Williams handles all that, and how the coaches adjust to find ways to help him succeed early and improve throughout the year.
Kaytron Allen got tons of post-draft hype. That’ll happen after someone demands to be called “Fatman.” The nickname’s a fad in terms of fan interest. His Penn State highlight reel is not. The school’s all-time leading rusher can bring it, with a physical, slashing style that should play well in the pros.
He was still available in sixth round for a reason, though late-round running backs can make an impact. Bill Croskey-Merritt’s...
