Commanders could draft John Emery Jr.
The Washington Commanders held firm with their running back options this offseason. That was a contentious issue among the fanbase, but there is a good chance this changes at some stage during the 2025 NFL Draft.
Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler are both in the final year of their respective deals. Jeremy McNichols was re-signed after a decent contribution in 2024. Chris Rodriguez Jr. got an exclusive rights tender to prevent him from speaking to any other suitor in free agency.
That could be the quartet moving forward. However, the Commanders would be wise to examine a deep draft class at the running back position for another explosive weapon.
John Emery Jr.'s college career will always be tinged with a little sadness. The flashes he displayed were nothing short of outstanding at LSU. He was part of their iconic 2019 national championship team as a freshman. The dual-threat accumulated 1,453 all-purpose yards and 16 touchdowns from 260 combined touches (rushing and receiving) throughout his collegiate career. Unfortunately, a series of frustrating injuries derailed his progress considerably.
Emery has the speed to exploit gaps and is a pass-catching threat out of the backfield. He's a powerful runner with sound contact balance, but the two knee injuries suffered in 2023 and 2024 leave reasons for concern.
If everything checks out medically, Emery could be an intriguing late-round option or perhaps even an undrafted free-agent steal.
Commanders could draft Kyren Lacy
Of all the names on this list, Kyren Lacy seems the most unlikely to end up with the Commanders. There is too much concerning baggage around the wide receiver despite his obvious talent.
Lacy was projected as a top 50 selection before a concerning off-field development. He was wanted for negligent homicide and felony hit-and-run after the death of Marine veteran Herman Hall in a head-on collision, who was being transported to the hospital. He was allegedly involved and accused of driving away from the scene.
The receiver is reportedly cooperating with authorities and developments are ongoing. That didn't stop Lacy from declaring for the draft or explaining himself throughout the pre-draft assessment stage. But the second-round projection is long gone.
There's a better chance Lacy goes undrafted than not. He developed a strong chemistry with Jayden Daniels in 2023 en route to 30 receptions for 558 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. He's got the size and vice-like grip to make an NFL impression, but this doesn't look like the sort of character Washington will consider under the new regime.
They will do their due diligence on everybody. Lacy might even get a glowing reference from Daniels if his opinion is sought. Even so, it would be surprising if the Commanders gambled on the prospect as a late-round pick or an undrafted free agent.