Running back is perhaps the most low-key position group on the Washington Commanders’ roster, an area where the team risks becoming predictable and lacks true big-play juice, something that could change if they continue to “clearly value” a versatile, but unheralded back who’s a “home-run” threat.
It’s Kazmeir Allen, the former UCLA wide receiver and runner who’s struggled to transfer his multi-faceted skills to the pros after entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2023. Allen is still on the roster, despite being released last summer, before returning to the practice squad a day later.
Those moves represented the second year in a row Allen had been cut loose and soon scooped up on the practice squad. All of the back and forth might put Allen’s roster spot in jeopardy again this year, but The Team 980’s Ben Standig of the “Last Man Standig” podcast wrote on Substack, “Allen keeps getting chances — they clearly value his home-run potential.”
Standig’s take is part of a detailed projection for the final 53-man roster. His predictions include some interesting tidbits about a backfield with several under-the-radar prospects worth watching during the remainder of training camp and preseason.
Arguably none are as intriguing as Allen, who has the range of skills to fit a Washington offense increasingly reliant on position-less playmakers.
Kazmeir Allen Still Has Value for Commanders
Allen’s enduring fit for the Commanders has actually been enhanced by the trade that brought All-Pro Deebo Samuel to the NFC East. That may appear counterintuitive, since Samuel is a marquee receiver who can also gash defenses as a running back.
It’s a role the Commanders once envisioned for Allen. The plan didn’t come to fruition last season, but Allen can at least be cover for Samuel in 2025.
The ex-Bruins star is able to turn on the jets from the backfield. He can also go in motion to flex into the slot or out wide and influence the passing game, things highlighted by Burgundy Zone creator The Podfather.
Kazmeir Allen is the man in motion at the top of the Screen before running a Hook on this 3rd and 2.
Here we highlight Kazs ability to catch an important pass knowing he’s going over the middle and will be hit hard by a big body. #HTTC pic.twitter.com/seHgrDysK9
— The Podfather (@TheBurgundyZone) May 13, 2023
This range showed up when Allen ended practice on Tuesday, July 29 “with a long TD catch and run,” per Standig’s colleague Chris Russell. Reminders of his talents can help Allen force his way onto game-day rosters this season, despite a crowded competition.
Meanwhile, another niche talent is also in Allen’s favor.
Commanders Not Short of Options in the Backfield
One of the reasons Allen still faces an uphill battle to make it onto the depth chart is because the Commanders aren’t lacking for options in the rotation. Those options include flexible veteran Jeremy McNichols and natural bruiser Chris Rodriguez Jr.
As Standig spelled out, “McNichols is a staff favorite, especially for RB coach Anthony Lynn. If they keep four, he’s in the mix. And Rodriguez still has a narrow lane to make it. Allen keeps getting chances — they clearly value his home-run potential.”
The reference to Rodriguez is interesting because the 2023 NFL draft sixth-round pick is somebody others believe won’t make the cut. His chances are hurt by the increasingly rapid emergence of a potential late-round steal from this year’s draft, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who has been thriving at training camp.
Croskey-Merrit is more of a breakaway threat, so him edging out Rodriguez would be a sign the Commanders are shifting toward something more dynamic in the running game. It would be the same if Allen takes the spot of reliable, but unspectacular McNichols.
The chances of that happening can be boosted by Allen’s ability to impact the return game. Something evidenced by this lengthy runback, negated by penalty in the 2023 preseason, highlighted by Mark Tyler of SB Nation’s Hogs Haven.
Changing games as a returner is a trait Allen shares with Samuel, as well as with experienced backup running back Austin Ekeler. It’s one more reason why Allen should stay in the mix for the remainder of the offseason and perhaps stick around for the start of games that matter.
