Iowa fans know the kicking game matters. And for the Washington Commanders, that position battle is one of the most intense storylines heading into training camp this summer.
Former Iowa Hawkeyes kicker Drew Stevens is pushing for a roster spot against veteran Jake Moody. Stevens, who went undrafted, connected on 20 of 26 field goals last season for the Hawkeyes, including four of six from 50 yards or more. His accuracy from deep range is exactly what Washington needs after years of instability at the position.
The Commanders signed Moody to stabilize the kicking game. He made 10 of 11 field goals after joining Washington in 2025, including both attempts from beyond 50 yards. But the team is not handing him the job. Stevens is making this a real competition.
“Simply put, Jake Moody must win the kicking competition,” wrote John Damon for Just The News Iowa. “There is no ground to stand on from last season's success that will guarantee him anything.”
Washington's kicking woes have been well documented. The team cycled through multiple kickers in recent years. Now, with a former Big Ten standout in camp, the pressure is on Moody to prove he can be the long-term answer.
Stevens brings a strong leg and a proven track record in pressure situations. At Iowa, he made 19 of 22 field goals the season before, including a perfect 5 for 5 from 40 to 49 yards. That consistency could make the difference in a tight roster battle.
The Commanders are not just looking for a camp body. They want a kicker they can trust when the game is on the line. Stevens has shown he can handle that stage. Now he needs to do it in the NFL.
What does this mean for Iowa fans?
For Iowa fans, Stevens represents another pipeline of Hawkeye talent making an impact at the professional level. The kicking tradition at Iowa is strong, and Stevens is carrying that legacy forward.
If Stevens wins the job, it would be a significant achievement for an undrafted rookie. It would also give Iowa fans a new reason to follow the Commanders this season.
Other Commanders facing pressure this summer
While the kicking battle gets attention, several other players on Washington's roster have plenty to prove. Tight end Ben Sinnott, a second-round pick in 2024, has just 16 catches for 142 yards and two touchdowns in 33 career games. His progress has been steady but not yet matching his draft status.
Defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton needs to show improvement in run defense after posting a low grade last season. Edge rusher K'Lavon Chaisson signed a one-year prove-it deal after generating 74 pressures but struggling with missed tackles.
Right tackle Josh Conerly Jr. allowed 43 pressures and committed 13 penalties in his rookie season. He needs to show growth with veteran Laremy Tunsil mentoring him.
Safety Quan Martin had a strong run-defense grade but allowed five touchdowns in coverage and missed 15 tackles. The Commanders need him to become more consistent.
Wide receivers Treylon Burks and Luke McCaffrey are both trying to carve out defined roles. Burks has battled injuries throughout his career, while McCaffrey is looking to build on improved performance in limited snaps.
Linebacker Jordan Magee and safety Will Harris are fighting for roster spots after the team added competition at their positions.
The bottom line: Roster battles show progress
Washington is no longer a team just looking for bodies. They have real competition at multiple positions. That is a sign of progress for a franchise that has struggled to build depth.
For Iowa fans, the Stevens-Moody battle is the one to watch. If Stevens wins, he becomes the latest Hawkeye to make his mark in the NFL. If Moody holds him off, Stevens still proved he belongs at this level.
Either way, the kicking game in Washington just got a lot more interesting.