Commanders could draft Kaleb Johnson
- Running Back | Iowa Hawkeyes
Some fans were clamoring for the Washington Commanders to take another running back with their first-round pick. Only two went before Adam Peters went on the clock, with Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton going to the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers, respectively.
The Commanders had their pick of the rest at No. 29 overall. Peters opted to solidify the offensive trenches instead, which is only going to help the options already available in the backfield.
If the Commanders have the luxury, and Peters believes it's the right thing to do, taking a running back on Day 2 cannot be ruled out entirely. One prospect who generated more inquisitiveness from Washington than most throughout the pre-draft assessment phase happens to remain on the board.
Kaleb Johnson met with the Commanders several times. The Iowa prospect is a top-level prospect with the college production to match. He might not be classed as having elite speed, but his on-field vision, supreme contact balance, and creative elusiveness always transition well to the pros.
What the Commanders must figure out is whether a running back warrants preference over more pressing priorities. But if Peters has Johnson high on his board, he won't hesitate to pull the trigger and worry about the rest later.
Commanders could draft Andrew Mukuba
- Safety | Texas Longhorns
The Commanders could use another safety heading into the 2025 campaign. Jeremy Chinn's disappointing departure in free agency was offset by the arrival of Will Harris. He's got big shoes to fill, but those in power are confident he's got the physical tools needed to be impactful.
Tyler Owens has the physical stature to increase his role next time around. Percy Butler is a solid special-teams player, but nothing more. The same goes for Jeremy Reaves, so finding a core rotational piece with long-term starting promise wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.
There are intriguing options available on Day 2. Nick Emmanwori would be a dream, but the chances of him lasting to No. 61 overall are remote. That's not the case with Andrew Mukuba. And considering the Commanders don't have a third-round selection as things stand, he represents a viable option.
Mukuba isn't the biggest safety who's ever played, but his coverage ability is first-class. The Texas prospect identifies plays developing quickly and reads the quarterback's eyes extremely well. He's also got the versatility to play on the backend or in the nickel if the situation dictates.
He's a fiery individual with an aggressive approach to run defense. Mukuba needs to be more disciplined in the pros, but he's technically sound with room for further growth.