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For the Washington Commanders to bounce back from last season's disappointing 5-12 finish, they'll need every newcomer to make an impact. Fortunately, Washington has several newcomers in 2026.
The Commanders added six players in the 2026 NFL Draft, led by No. 7 overall pick, linebacker Sonny Styles. Many analysts believed Styles would be drafted inside the top five, despite the fact that he doesn't play a premium position. That's how talented Styles is. He'll likely start immediately and never look back.
Third-round pick, wide receiver Antonio Williams, is also expected to have a significant role. He could play outside opposite Terry McLaurin, or start in the slot. Regardless, he'll play significant snaps. But who are some of the other rookies who could open some eyes in training camp?
Washington's rookies reported to Ashburn on Friday. The veterans report on Tuesday, with training camp to begin on Wednesday. We look at four rookies who could surprise in training camp.
Gulbin will be the only draft pick to make this list. Everyone expects fifth-round EDGE Joshua Josephs to make the roster, but he will serve as a backup. The same goes for running back Kaytron Allen, one of Washington's two sixth-round picks along with Gulbin.
The 6-foot-4, 312-pound Gulbin began his career at Wake Forest, where he played guard. After transferring to Michigan State, he played center in 2025. With only veteran Nick Allegretti in front of him, Gulbin is in an excellent position to be Washington's primary backup center. He needs a good training camp to keep Washington from adding a veteran center. Gulbin's ability to play center and guard gives him an excellent chance of making the 53-man roster.
The 6-foot-3 undrafted rookie receiver from UNLV opened eyes during OTAs and in the minicamp. He offers size, as one of the tallest receivers on the roster. Bradley's height would seemingly make him an ideal outside receiver, but his skill set also allows him to play in the slot. Bradley earned praise from coaches after his performance this spring. There is a bit of a logjam at receiver, but some uncertainty at the bottom. While Bradley would have a difficult path to make the 53, it's quite possible. GM Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn have proven they will keep the best players. Bradley has a shot. Don't be surprised if you hear his name often this summer.
An undrafted rookie from UTSA, Henry is in a unique spot. The Commanders will presumably keep four running backs. Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White are the locks. You'd think Allen, a draft pick who offers power running, would also be a lock. That leaves one spot remaining. Ideally, Jeremy McNichols lands that final spot. The veteran does everything and is beloved by his coaches and teammates. It will be tough to unseat McNichols, but don't count Henry out.
Like Bradley, he opened some eyes in the spring. But there was no tackling in the spring. He needs to take advantage of his opportunities in the preseason. Show what he can do carrying the ball, as well as catching the ball. Henry is one of the more intriguing players battling for a spot.
Stevens is battling Jake Moody for the starting kicker position. Right now, it's probably 50/50. Both Moody and Stevens were great in the spring. He has a big leg, and you can almost count on receiving kicker updates every day of practice. Unless one of them struggles early, this battle is going until the end of August. Stevens has a big leg. He's also accurate. But keep in mind, Moody is a former third-round pick only three years ago. Sure, Moody had his struggles early, but Washington believes in him after his short stint last year. However, he didn't do enough to lock down the spot without competition, and the Commanders added one of college football's top kickers to push him or win the job. Stevens has the best chance of any undrafted player to make the roster.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: 4 Commanders' rookies who could surprise at training camp
Continue reading...
The Commanders added six players in the 2026 NFL Draft, led by No. 7 overall pick, linebacker Sonny Styles. Many analysts believed Styles would be drafted inside the top five, despite the fact that he doesn't play a premium position. That's how talented Styles is. He'll likely start immediately and never look back.
Third-round pick, wide receiver Antonio Williams, is also expected to have a significant role. He could play outside opposite Terry McLaurin, or start in the slot. Regardless, he'll play significant snaps. But who are some of the other rookies who could open some eyes in training camp?
Washington's rookies reported to Ashburn on Friday. The veterans report on Tuesday, with training camp to begin on Wednesday. We look at four rookies who could surprise in training camp.
C Matt Gulbin
Gulbin will be the only draft pick to make this list. Everyone expects fifth-round EDGE Joshua Josephs to make the roster, but he will serve as a backup. The same goes for running back Kaytron Allen, one of Washington's two sixth-round picks along with Gulbin.
The 6-foot-4, 312-pound Gulbin began his career at Wake Forest, where he played guard. After transferring to Michigan State, he played center in 2025. With only veteran Nick Allegretti in front of him, Gulbin is in an excellent position to be Washington's primary backup center. He needs a good training camp to keep Washington from adding a veteran center. Gulbin's ability to play center and guard gives him an excellent chance of making the 53-man roster.
WR Jaden Bradley
The 6-foot-3 undrafted rookie receiver from UNLV opened eyes during OTAs and in the minicamp. He offers size, as one of the tallest receivers on the roster. Bradley's height would seemingly make him an ideal outside receiver, but his skill set also allows him to play in the slot. Bradley earned praise from coaches after his performance this spring. There is a bit of a logjam at receiver, but some uncertainty at the bottom. While Bradley would have a difficult path to make the 53, it's quite possible. GM Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn have proven they will keep the best players. Bradley has a shot. Don't be surprised if you hear his name often this summer.
RB Robert Henry Jr.
An undrafted rookie from UTSA, Henry is in a unique spot. The Commanders will presumably keep four running backs. Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White are the locks. You'd think Allen, a draft pick who offers power running, would also be a lock. That leaves one spot remaining. Ideally, Jeremy McNichols lands that final spot. The veteran does everything and is beloved by his coaches and teammates. It will be tough to unseat McNichols, but don't count Henry out.
Like Bradley, he opened some eyes in the spring. But there was no tackling in the spring. He needs to take advantage of his opportunities in the preseason. Show what he can do carrying the ball, as well as catching the ball. Henry is one of the more intriguing players battling for a spot.
K Drew Stevens
Stevens is battling Jake Moody for the starting kicker position. Right now, it's probably 50/50. Both Moody and Stevens were great in the spring. He has a big leg, and you can almost count on receiving kicker updates every day of practice. Unless one of them struggles early, this battle is going until the end of August. Stevens has a big leg. He's also accurate. But keep in mind, Moody is a former third-round pick only three years ago. Sure, Moody had his struggles early, but Washington believes in him after his short stint last year. However, he didn't do enough to lock down the spot without competition, and the Commanders added one of college football's top kickers to push him or win the job. Stevens has the best chance of any undrafted player to make the roster.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: 4 Commanders' rookies who could surprise at training camp
Continue reading...
