Highlighted by Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White, the Commanders' running back competition has been closely watched going into training camp. Sixth-round pick Kaytron Allen has a steep road ahead of him to make the final 53-man roster, but coach Dan Quinn has been impressed by what he's seen already and is excited to see what Allen brings to the table once the team puts on full pads.
"I do think there's a certain skill set that he has and having the ability to convert short yardage, down on the goal line; he certainly has those traits to it. Over the five weeks, we're going to try and put him in as many scenarios as we can," Quinn said. "He's got patience and good vision as a ball carrier, things that certainly factor in as it gets closer and harder down in the red zone."
Kaytron Allen's vision sets him apart
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As Penn State's all-time leading rusher, Allen fell to Washington in the sixth round due to concerns over his pass-blocking ability. However, where Allen lacks in pass protection and explosiveness in the trenches, he makes up for it in his agility as a pass-catcher and speed in open space.
"Washington is still hoping for big things out of Bill Croskey-Merritt (one of last year's late-round gems), and they signed Rachaad White in free agency," Luke Easterling wrote for Athlon Sports. "He's also a versatile playmaker who can catch the ball out of the backfield and protect the passer, which should allow him to push for third-down snaps. He's immediately the best short-yardage back on the roster, which should lead to plenty of touchdown opportunities at the goal line."
Splitting time with Nicholas Singleton during his time at Penn State, Allen made sure to leave an impact on the game every time he touched the ball. His ability to see the field and rely on his natural instincts is what made him seem so appealing to Dan Quinn and the rest of the Commanders' front office.
The Commanders focused on plays in the red zone for most of their first two practices, but as they begin to introduce different situations on the field, coaches will be able to see his versatility in full effect. When asked about Allen's role in the red zone, Quinn shied away from putting a specific label on him, saying he just "hopes he shines" and can prove to coaches why he belongs on the roster.
Splitting time with Nicholas Singleton during his time at Penn State, Allen made sure to leave an impact on the game every time he touched the ball. His ability to see the field and rely on his natural instincts is what made him seem so appealing to Dan Quinn and the rest of the Commanders' front office.
The Commanders focused on plays in the red zone for most of their first two practices, but as they begin to introduce different situations on the field, coaches will be able to see his versatility in full effect. When asked about Allen's role in the red zone, Quinn shied away from putting a specific label on him, saying he just "hopes he shines" and can prove to coaches why he belongs on the roster.
