One word for every AFC team's biggest offseason improvement: Jets get 'professional,' Chiefs are 'fresh'
AFC teams describe their offseason improvements with keywords: Jets are 'professional', Chiefs are 'fresh'.
The Washington Commanders selected running back Kaytron Allen in the sixth round of the NFL Draft, despite having depth in their backfield. Allen, known by the nickname 'Fatman,' was a standout at Penn State.
The Washington Commanders were rumored to be interested in Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love in the 2026 NFL Draft. Several draft analysts believed a backfield featuring Jayden Daniels and Love would've been a dream pairing.
As expected, Love didn't even make it to pick No. 7, as the Arizona Cardinals selected him at No. 3 overall. That allowed the Commanders to select Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, which addressed a more pressing need on defense.
It wasn't as if the Commanders needed a running back. While Washington's backfield does have some questions, there is solid depth, with Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White, Jeremy McNichols and Jerome Ford. However, in the sixth round, when Penn State's all-time leading rusher, Kaytron Allen, was available, Commanders GM Adam Peters could not pass.
Quickly after he was drafted, we learned that Allen had a unique nickname: "Fatman."
Allen, who rushed for over 4,000 yards at Penn State, participated in his first NFL practice over the weekend, as the Commanders held their rookie minicamp.
The Commanders drafted Kaytron Allen to enhance their backfield depth, despite already having solid options.
'Fatman' is Kaytron Allen's nickname, which highlights his unique personality and adds a memorable aspect to his identity as a player.
By selecting Kaytron Allen, the Commanders missed out on Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, who was picked by the Arizona Cardinals at No. 3 overall.
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Allen couldn't contain his excitement.
"I was talking to one of my teammates, and I'm like, it's crazy how we just got here, man, and you've been dreaming about this so long," Allen told reporters after Friday's practice. "You get to put on the cleats, and actually put on an NFL logo, so it's just a blessing to be here, and I'm grateful for it all?"
Allen then said signing his first NFL contract was a "dream come true," but that the real work now begins.
After Washington selected Allen, the Commanders now have five running backs on the roster. Most teams carry only three or four. Without a true No. 1 back, Washington seems likely to carry four, meaning it will likely be Ford or McNichols battling for the final spot. The Commanders love McNichols because he does so many different things and embodies the franchise's team-first attitude due to his selflessness.
There's a good chance that Allen has a significant role as a rookie, splitting time with last year's standout rookie, Croskey-Merritt, and White, who is expected to be Washington's third-down back.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: 'Fatman' grateful for NFL opportunity