5 surprise Commanders standouts nobody saw coming through four games

If the Washington Commanders wanted to maintain the high standards they set for themselves during Dan Quinn's first season, it wasn't just the franchise cornerstones or established veterans that needed to contribute. This had to be a collective effort from everyone.

From those buried on the roster to the players being called up from the practice squad, they had to be ready. This bears more significance for the Commanders, who are dealing with some decimating injury problems that have dented their hopes of a strong start.

Every team deals with injuries. Almost no team is dealing with as many as the Commanders currently. That's forced some young players to grow up quicker than expected, while veteran depth pieces are also being tasked with a lot more than fans initially envisaged.

It's been a rollercoaster first quarter of the campaign. The Commanders have won both their home games, but they've come unstuck convincingly on the road. Washington has a brutal stretch upcoming, so nothing but improved execution and more imposing starts will do to keep their postseason dreams alive.

However, there have been a few shining lights amid the chaos. On this subject, here are five surprise Commanders standouts that nobody saw coming at the quarter-season checkpoint.

Surprise Commanders standouts nobody saw coming through four games

Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Commanders RB

There was a significant amount of hype around rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt heading into the season. Fans took his rags-to-riches story to their hearts from the moment he got into the building, and his immediate surge into a prominent rotational role was confirmed when the Washington Commanders traded starting running back Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers.

Flashing in the summer and the preseason is one thing. Doing it in the regular-season pressure cooker is an entirely different challenge. The Commanders have taken things cautiously with Croskey-Merritt, but his purposeful running style and ability to see the field defy his seventh-round billing.

There is aggression and physicality to Croskey-Merritt's approach that's hard not to love. Washington isn't putting too much on his plate right now, mainly due to his frailties in pass protection. But with 172 rushing yards, two touchdowns, and a 5.9 yards per carry average through four weeks, his early efforts represent a solid foundation from which to build.

According to Pro Football Focus, Croskey-Merritt is the highest-graded rookie running back and the sixth-best overall first-year player through four games in 2025. If the same trend continues, the No. 245 overall pick will cement his status as the steal of this year's draft.

Luke McCaffrey - Commanders WR

There weren't many Washington Commanders fans who were expecting much from Luke McCaffrey this season. Adam Peters strengthened the wide receiver corps by trading for Deebo Samuel Sr. and drafting Jaylin Lane. Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown were still around, leaving the 2024 third-round pick lower down the depth chart than ever.

McCaffrey continued to work hard on improving his craft. He's still learning the nuances of playing the receiver position, so this was always going to be a gradual process. However, there are signs that his influence is growing at the best possible time.

The Commanders had no choice other than to get McCaffrey more involved. McLaurin and Brown are on the shelf. Lane is still growing into being an NFL pro. Kliff Kingsbury needs more from the former Rice standout, and he's answering the call.

McCaffrey has touchdowns in his last two games. He's bringing in 85.7 percent of his targets, is averaging 16 yards per reception, and his 85.7% route success rate from Pro Football Reference is among the league's best. He's also averaging a perfect 158.3 passer rating when targeted.

If that wasn't enough, McCaffrey is also making waves in the return game. He ranks tied eighth in yards gained league-wide, which is another overlooked area of his contribution that should see more overall involvement moving forward.

Eddie Goldman - Commanders DL

Adam Peters made a concerted effort to get bigger in the trenches this offseason. He saw how the Commanders were pushed around by the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game, and the general manager reacted accordingly.

Laremy Tunsil and Josh Conerly Jr. became the Commanders' new bookend tackle tandem. On the defensive side, Washington acquired Deatrich Wise Jr. and Javon Kinlaw. However, it's one veteran signing that nobody really cared about, who has played an important role in the team's improved fortunes.

Eddie Goldman received a one-year, $1.03 million contract from the Commanders with just $350,000 guaranteed. He just wanted a chance to make the 53-man roster, and he did so comfortably. And four games into the campaign, he's a core part of the interior defensive rotation.

A lot of Goldman's good work doesn't show up on the stat sheet. He does have four pressures, three stops, and four hurries, but his ability to clog up space is something the Commanders didn't have during Dan Quinn's first season. This is making everyone around him better, and the fact that he's played 35 percent of the team's defensive snaps is proof of his growing influence.

This is much better than fans were expecting. And it's made the Commanders a lot tougher along the way.

Chris Rodriguez Jr. - Commanders RB

When the Washington Commanders traded Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers before the season, head coach Dan Quinn hinted that Chris Rodriguez Jr. would take over as the team's short-yardage and early-down running back. That didn't happen right away.

Austin Ekeler was the starter. Rodriguez was a healthy scratch over the opening two contests, which burst his bubble in no uncertain terms. However, an opportunity arose when the established veteran suffered a torn Achilles tendon on Thursday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers.

This gave Rodriguez an opening. Jeremy McNichols was the veteran capable of coming in when needed. The Commanders are keen to build up Jacory Croskey-Merritt gradually, especially given his struggles in pass protection. This gave the Kentucky product a chance to shine, and he's taking advantage.

The 2023 sixth-round pick is averaging 5.4 yards per carry from 18 touches. Rodriguez's contact balance remains a massive positive compared to his rookie year. He's a willing pass blocker with the speed to break tackles for significant gains. Expect this trend to continue if the opportunities are there.

Rodriguez is due for some good fortune. He's had to fight extremely hard to remain part of Washington's plans. And now, he's finally seeing the fruits of his labor.

Dorance Armstrong - Commanders DE

The jury was still out on Dorance Armstrong heading into his second season with the Commanders. Dan Quinn wasted no time reuniting with the defensive end once he hit the free agent market in 2024. Still, his transition from rotational specialist to prominent starter was always going to be difficult.

There were some decent moments from Armstrong last season, but the consistency just wasn't there. His explosiveness as an edge threat occasionally caught the eye, but finishing off plays proved challenging. After another offseason to hone his craft, things look much more promising now.

Armstrong's been a genuine bright spot for the Commanders at the quarter pole. The former Kansas prospect has 16 pressures through four games. He's accumulated three sacks, 12 hurries, and one quarterback hit. Considering the injuries Washington's defensive end room has suffered during the campaign so far, this was sorely needed.

Unless someone steps up, Armstrong can expect some extra attention coming his way from opposing protection schemes. Javon Kinlaw and Daron Payne command respect in the middle, but until someone else steps up opposite, offensive lines will key in on him as the primary danger.

That's the next test for Armstrong. If he passes with flying colors, he'll cement his status as an essential part of the team's long-term plans.