A strong contingent from the Washington Commanders was in attendance at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. Adam Peters only has six picks right now, but there is still a chance to find difference-makers and enhance depth with the correct choices.
One position that needs a makeover is the running back spot. New offensive coordinator David Blough acknowledged that more is required, though he has faith in seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt after an outstanding rookie campaign. Chris Rodriguez Jr. may get an exclusive rights tender, but all bets are off otherwise.
The Commanders have sufficient financial resources to acquire a productive veteran in free agency. Breece Hall will no longer be available as he gets set to be tagged by the New York Jets, but there should be a few decent options there for the taking if Washington sees fit.
Then, there's the draft.
Commanders and Emmett Johnson might not be a good fit in David Blough's offennse
Speculation continues to rise around the Commanders potentially taking Jeremiyah Love with the No. 7 pick, but much will depend on what happens in free agency. Others will be considered, but a mid-level prospect did his chances of being considered no good at all with his less-than-stellar showing in Indianapolis.
Blough is aiming for dynamism. Analysts believe the rookie play-caller is looking to adopt more zone-blocking schemes with an emphasis on creating explosive plays in the run game. Based on his performance at the Combine, fans should cross Emmett Johnson off the list.
Johnson clocked in at 4.56 seconds in the 40-yard dash, with a 1.59-second split over 10 yards. His 35.5-inch vertical jump, 10-foot broad jump, and 7.39-second three-cone drill were in the lower percentile. The Nebraska prospect's overall athleticism score of 64 ranked 19th among all running backs in Indianapolis.
While his production with the Cornhuskers last season — 1,451 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns from a whopping 251 carries — warrants respect, this doesn't appear to be the sort of prospect Blough is looking for within his new system. Johnson is a battering ram rather than someone who can break off big plays off the edge. If Rodriguez gets tendered, there doesn't seem to be much use for him.
Peters needs to spend his draft picks wisely. Free agency will provide a major clue, but if Blough runs the scheme many expect, the explosiveness element could be enough to take Johnson off Washington's shortlist of possibilities.
Nothing has been set in stone, of course. The Commanders have all options on the table right now, and the game tape always matters more than the Combine. At the same time, Johnson may not have the physical attributes Blough is seeking as he looks to take this offense to even greater heights.
Johnson will get drafted at some stage. Don't expect that to come from the Commanders.