Hogs Haven
With preseason action in full swing across the NFL, the Washington Commanders have officially opened the doors in Ashburn with expectations a bit more lofty after an NFC Championship appearance propelled by the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year, QB Jayden Daniels.
Today, we analyze the three most important positional battles for Washington this summer as the regular season is right around the corner.
The Commanders were very fortunate in the second round of this past NFL Draft when Ole Miss CB Trey Amos fell into their lap with the 61st overall pick. Amos was projected by many draft analysts to be a fringe first round selection, but a back injury suffered during the pre-draft process forced teams to be wary of the First-Team All-SEC talent.
Washington made it a clear priority during the offseason to address the defensive backs room, as the team also brought in veteran CB Jonathan Jones, who spent the first nine years of his career with the New England Patriots, where he won two Super Bowl rings.
As a 31-year old, Jones brings 132 games of experience and a championship-pedigree which is valuable at such a volatile position. Expect Jones to become a key mentor for the younger guys, including Amos.
Amos has received glowing reviews through two+ weeks of training camp, which has remained constant since Trey stepped on the field for rookie mini-camp in the spring.
While the team also brought back Noah Igbinoghene, who started 10 games in 2024, it appears to be more of a depth signing for the upcoming season (barring any injuries).
Since the start of training camp, Amos continues to run with the first-team defense and is in line to start week one opposite of Marshon Lattimore, and with Mike Sainristil back in the slot.
Throughout camp, there’s been one name that continues to pop up on a daily basis from beat reporters on the scene in Ashburn.
Bill.
Perhaps better known as Jacory Croskey-Merritt, the New Mexico/Arizona product is taking Commanders nation by storm after being selected in the 7th round by Washington in April. Bill is making a name for himself, noticeably for his one-cut style of running the ball in between the tackles.
In week one of preseason, JCM finished with 7 rushes for 24 yards, along with an eight-yard reception. While the numbers may not blow you away, the confidence and physicality he played with were certainly positive signs heading into another week of preseason.
Jeremy McNichols is the most versatile running back in the room for Washington, which potentially makes him one of the most difficult cut options for the team. Last season McNichols had a career year, finishing with career highs in rushing yards (261) and touchdowns (5) as the third option. He is also one of the best pass-protection running backs in the entire league, a coveted trait.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. is someone the team...
