Commanders must consider Ashton Jeanty after latest sensational showing

The Washington Commanders seem pretty set at the running back position. However, one prospect's jaw-dropping 2024 campaign could force general manager Adam Peters to pivot accordingly.

Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler have formed a decent running back tandem this offseason. They complement each other well and provided rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels with a sound security blanket alongside him in the backfield.

They are both out of contract in 2026. Ekeler's serious concussion and age increase the uncertainty surrounding his status beyond the current campaign. The Commanders shouldn't settle if they feel upgrades can be found across the board.

Peters is well-positioned to strengthen the ranks in free agency. The Commanders have almost $100 million in available salary-cap space with 30 players under contract. If the general manager can make the right moves, Washington goes into the draft with the potential to take the best prospect available in Round No. 1.

Commanders cannot ignore Ashton Jeanty despite running back strength

That could be Ashton Jeanty when push comes to shove.

The Boise State running back has taken college football by storm this season. His starring role in their Mountain West championship triumph cemented the Broncos' playoff spot and surged his draft stock further.

Taking running backs in the first round is not the done thing these days. Bijan Robinson was the exception to this growing trend in 2023, but teams typically look for value in their running backs and focus their top pick elsewhere.

That makes placing Jeanty difficult. He's arguably the most talented prospect in this year's class aside from Travis Hunter and perhaps Mason Graham in the right fit. But positional value matters too.

The Commanders could be ready to swoop depending on where they pick. Dane Brugler from The Athletic tabbed Jeanty to Washington in his first mock draft, citing the devastating tandem that would be formed in the backfield alongside Daniels long-term.

There's a long way to go before this scenario comes to fruition. There's also no way to determine which direction Peters will go at this early juncture. At the same time, the prospect of Jeanty and Daniels operating in unison for the Commanders is a mouth-watering one.

Jeanty is a superstar. His field vision, contact balance, and ability to break big plays set him apart from every other running back in college this season. These traits are easily transferable to the pros and will ensure he'll be the first prospect at the position taken in the 2025 NFL Draft.

This looks like a no-brainer pick for the Dallas Cowboys, in all honesty. Passing on Derrick Henry this offseason was a grave error in judgment from owner/general manager Jerry Jones. Their run game is almost non-existent. Jeanty would change that immediately.

If not, then the Commanders could easily bring Jeanty into the fold provided other needs get filled on the free-agent market. It's a pipedream, but it's a fascinating one for fans to think about.

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