The Washington Commanders added a significant amount of youth to their team this offseason. After bolstering the oldest average roster in more than a decade last year, getting younger was a priority for general manager Adam Peters. One area that is notably screaming with young talent following the draft is running back. Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt (25 years old) is the expected starter heading into the 2026 season, but Washington may have snagged the perfect complement to him in the sixth round.
Washington selected 23-year-old Penn State all-time leading rusher, running back Kaytron Allen, with the 187th overall pick.
GettyPenn State running back Kaytron Allen rushed for 4,180 yards and 39 touchdowns while catching 70 passes for 490 receiving yards and 4 more touchdowns across 56 games played for the Nittany Lions.
Allen is mainly known for his production and size, with emphasis on size. The former Nittany Lion is known for going by the nickname “Fatman”.
“That’s my nickname, my mom gave me when I was a kid,” Allen explained to the media after he was drafted. “I was a fat baby, and everybody in the town called me Fat Man, and hopefully I keep it going in Washington. They call me Fat Man, and when I score, all you hear is Fat Man, you feel me? It is going to be something special, man. I can’t wait.”
Much like his namesake, it didn’t take long for the “Fatman” to begin eating. He’s already made a notable impression at the Commanders’ rookie minicamp.
Kaytron Allen ‘Looks The Part’ At Rookie Minicamp
He’ll obviously take over the power back role but that RB room is wide open for more in Washington.
Penn State: 3rd all time in tds with 39 ✅️ 5th all time in all purpose yards ✅️
Commanders Insider JP Finlay of NBC Sports came away with a strong impression of Allen following his initial on-field look.
“Got to meet Kaytron “Fatman” Allen, and that’s a humble young man,” Finlay wrote. “He seemed very excited to be part of an NFL roster, but more importantly, he looked the part on the field. Dan Quinn called the rookie RB out of Penn State a back with ‘demonstrated power.’ Nobody was wearing pads at rookie camp so there was no contact, but Allen does an excellent job of keeping his shoulders square even as he turns. You can also see in his body, he’s a bigger guy but carries it well. The path to a roster spot for Fatman is prove to be a capable short yardage back. He looks the part.”
Short-yardage expertise is an area that Washington needs after Chris Rodriguez Jr. left in free agency. Allen will have to weave through a crowded backfield that includes Rachaad White, Jerome Ford, and Jeremy McNichols on top of Bill. However, his power and prowess in tough, earned-yardage situations could be the differentiating factor.
Kaytron Allen Listed As Biggest Steal Of The Sixth Round per Sports Illustrated
SI’s Justin Melo listed Kaytron Allen as the steal of the sixth round. Melo’s emphasis was on Allen’s production at Penn State and powerful running style.
SI’s Caleb Skinner then followed up on Melo’s thoughts, praising the Commanders for their ability to land Allen in the sixth round. “Entering the draft, Allen was thought of as perhaps a top-five player at his position, but ultimately wound up being the tenth running back taken – once again showcasing the Commanders’ ability to find value in their picks.”
With “Bill” and the “Fatman” in the backfield, the Commanders have an opportunity to feature not only one of the most dynamic nickname duos but also one-two punches in the NFL.
Commanders Rookie ‘Fatman’ RB Already ‘Eating’ at Minicamp