Former Penn State all-time leading rusher Kaytron Allen turned heads this weekend during limited action at Washington Commanders rookie minicamp, showing exactly why the team brought him in. Allen, who goes by the nickname "Fatman," impressed both on and off the field, displaying the power and humility that could earn him a roster spot.
Rookie minicamp is always a mix of draft picks, undrafted free agents, practice squad holdovers, and tryout players—many of whom will never see an NFL regular-season game. But for the roughly 40 players on the field, it's a chance to prove themselves. Commanders head coach Dan Quinn had high praise for Allen, calling him a back with "demonstrated power." Even without pads, Allen's ability to keep his shoulders square while turning stood out, and his sturdy frame carries his weight well, making him a natural fit for short-yardage situations.
While Allen flashed potential, the day's biggest star was safety Sonny Styles. In 7-on-7 drills, Styles looked fluid, quick, and smart—always in perfect position to disrupt passes near the line of scrimmage or over the middle. On one play, he made contact with a receiver, drawing a mock scolding from coaches, but everyone knew they loved the aggressiveness.
Allen did have a drop on a pass out of the backfield, but it's hard to judge given the quality of the throw. Still, his overall performance and attitude suggest he's ready to compete for a role as a reliable short-yardage back. For a player who dominated at Penn State, this weekend was a promising first step toward carving out an NFL career.
