Commanders draft Omarion Hampton
- Running Back | North Carolina Tar Heels
- Round No. 2 | Pick No. 36
Adam Peters held firm at the running back position in free agency. That was a supreme vote of confidence in those who contributed to the cause last season, but there's a growing belief this could change early in the 2025 NFL Draft.
It's time to plan for the future. Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler are in the final year of their respective deals with points to prove. Jeremy McNichols was re-signed and Chris Rodriguez Jr. got an exclusive right tender, but that doesn't come with any guarantees.
If Peters can find a legitimate game-changer capable of becoming a long-term backfield threat alongside quarterback Jayden Daniels, he'd be wise to capitalize on the opportunities that present themselves. Especially considering the ground game's regression over the second half of 2024 and into the postseason.
Omarion Hampton represents that and more. The North Carolina standout is a phenomenal weapon capable of shouldering a lefty burden. His college production over the last two seasons was nothing short of exceptional, and the player's contact balance is extraordinary.
Hampton is a forceful weapon capable of turning the smallest creases into big gains. He can work between the tackles or thrive on outside runs. He flashes capabilities in the passing game, so there's a lot to like about his chances of making an immediate contribution wherever the prospect ends up in the pros.
Commanders draft Azareye'h Thomas
- Cornerback | Florida State Seminoles
- Round No. 2 | Pick No. 61
The Commanders look more solid at the cornerback position these days. That shouldn't prevent Adam Peters from finding a capable performer who can become another important piece of the defensive rotation.
Washington has Marshon Lattimore and Mike Sainristil as its high-profile tandem. Noah Igbinoghene got rewarded for his superb efforts in the slot last season with another one-year extension. The Commanders also signed two-time Super Bowl winner Jonathan Jones, who'll provide more proven on-field production and outstanding leadership in the locker room.
Azareye'h Thomas has the physical profile that Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. look for in their cornerbacks. He can gain leverage effectively and is a fluid mover capable of mirroring routes with relative comfort.
While Thomas lacks elite-level speed, he's a savvy player considering his lack of starting experience in college. Some technical refinement is needed, but the Commanders could get him up to speed quickly under their current coaching staff.
Looking at the starting quartet right now, there wouldn't be a great deal of pressure for Thomas to make an immediate contribution. At the same time, the defensive back could only be scratching the surface of what he's truly capable of.
The Commanders have shown an interest in Thomas during their pre-draft assessments. It's not hard to see why.