The Washington Commanders still have one more week of OTAs before mandatory minicamp arrives, followed by training camp and preseason football. There is still a long road ahead before Week 1, but football is quickly approaching, and now is a good time to start identifying players who could be poised for breakout seasons.
One player who stands out is rookie running back Kaytron Allen. The sixth-round pick out of Penn State was the seventh running back selected in the 2026 NFL Draft and brings a physical running style at 5-foot-11 and 216 pounds. Washington finished among the league’s better rushing attacks last season, and Allen could carve out a role that helps keep the offense balanced while adding another layer to the ground game.
Treylon Burks is another player worth watching. The former 18th overall pick has dealt with injuries and inconsistency throughout his NFL career, but the talent has never been in question. Burks returned to Washington after showing flashes last season, and if he can stay healthy, he could become one of the more important weapons in the Commanders’ receiver rotation.
Dyami Brown also deserves mention. After spending one season away from Washington, he returns to an offense where he previously found success. Brown elevated his play during the Commanders’ postseason run in 2024 and showed he could be a reliable vertical threat when given opportunities. If he can recapture that form, he could become one of the more underrated pieces of the passing game.
Finally, there is Josh Conerly Jr. The young offensive tackle was thrown into the starting lineup as a rookie and gained valuable experience. This offseason, Conerly has reportedly spent time working with Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil, and early signs suggest he is in excellent shape heading into his second NFL season. If that development continues, Conerly could take a major step forward and become a key piece of Washington’s offensive line for years to come.
There is still plenty of football left before the regular season begins, and much can change between now and September. However, if Washington’s offense is going to reach another level in 2026, these four players could play a major role in making it happen.
