Austin Ekeler - Commanders RB
It's not just Brian Robinson Jr. who'll be nervously looking over his shoulder in the running back room during the 2025 NFL Draft. Austin Ekeler's role could also be in peril depending on what Adam Peters decides to do.
The Commanders signed Ekeler last season. He got a two-year deal despite showing signs of regression with the Los Angeles Chargers. Kliff Kingsbury had a specific role in mind, which centered on pass-catching out of the backfield and making an impression in the return game.
Things started extremely well. Robinson and Ekeler formed a tremendous tandem whose skills complemented each other superbly. This wore as the season went on, and a serious concussion sustained by the former undrafted free agent against the Dallas Cowboys left many wondering if he'd play again.
Ekeler returned for the postseason, but his costly fumble in the NFC Championship game left a sour taste in the mouths of fans. He's a solid pro and an outstanding motivator. But unless the production matches on the field, this will be his final campaign in D.C.
If the Commanders draft a more dynamic pass-catching backfield force capable of making a Day 1 impact, Ekeler could find himself as a potential roster cut candidate over the summer.
Will Harris - Commanders S
The Commanders made a contentious call by letting Jeremy Chinn walk in free agency. His production last season was stellar and more than worthy of another financial commitment. Adam Peters thought he could get similar output for cheaper, signing Will Harris to a two-year deal.
Harris is coming off a decent year with the New Orleans Saints. He knows assistant general manager Lance Newmark well from their time together on the Detroit Lions. He's got similar physical traits to Chinn, but the explosiveness and dynamism are nowhere near the same.
It's an intriguing signing to go alongside Quan Martin. However, it won't stop Peters from adding another dominant safety with one of his draft picks if he feels like it can benefit Joe Whitt Jr.'s defense in 2025 and beyond.
Peters showed a willingness to take the best prospect available regardless of need last season. The Commanders weren't desperate for another defensive tackle, but they still took Johnny Newton at No. 36 overall. Harris and Martin are the starting tandem for now. That could change if Washington allocates one of its early selections on the safety spot.
That couldn't be completely ruled out if someone like Nick Emmanwori is there for the taking. He's the clone of Chinn, but younger and with far more long-term upside attached.