Commanders draft Tahj Brooks
- Running Back | Texas Tech Red Raiders
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 205
The Washington Commanders have stood pat in their running back room so far this offseason. That's a vote of confidence in those who contributed last season, but this is an extremely deep draft class with several potential options for Adam Peters to investigate.
Having a change of pace back would be prudent. Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler are a decent tandem, but their regression over the second half of 2024 and into the postseason cannot be dismissed. Jeremy McNichols was a solid piece but nothing more. Chris Rodriguez Jr. has potential, even if the Commanders didn't trust him enough for significant responsibilities at the business end of the campaign.
Peters won't hesitate to bring another runner from the college ranks, although this might be a little later in the process. Tahj Brooks is a name to consider, and he outlined his intrigue regarding a move to Washington during his recent interview with Kay Adams.
Brooks is relatively small in stature, but he absorbs contact well and has the on-field vision needed to exploit gaps seamlessly. He can be a pass-catching asset out of the backfield and is a willing blocker despite his 5-foot-9 frame.
His lack of top-end speed could see his draft stock dip slightly. If Brooks makes it this far down the board, a discussion must be had in the Commanders' war room.
Commanders draft Collin Oliver
- Linebacker | Oklahoma State Cowboys
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 245
Versatility is a key component of what Dan Quinn looks for in his second-level players tasked with generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The Commanders spent their seventh-round selection last year on Javontae Jean-Baptiste, who was seen as undersized but ended up flashing promise as a situational defensive end when reps came his way.
Washington could go down a similar route in 2025. There's a temptation to take a wide receiver or a cornerback during the draft, which could still happen. But the Commanders have enough spare cash to get veterans on short-term deals to plug gaps. And they will be more than willing to join this ambitious project.
Collin Oliver's athletic traits are worthy of a flier with Washington's final pick. However, there are some injury red flags after the hybrid linebacker/edge rusher suffered a foot injury that restricted him to just two games last season.
Oliver failed to build on his freshman promise after achieving 11.5 sacks, which is concerning. The Oklahoma State prospect also needs significant refinement from a tackling standpoint, especially with the angles he approaches oncoming runners.
Seventh-round picks are always a crapshoot. But Oliver has more going for him than most providing the Commanders remove some problem areas of his game.
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