Of all the positional needs the Washington Commanders have heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, running back doesn’t figure to be a high priority.
All four backs who shared the ball in 2024 — Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler, Jeremy McNichols, and Chris Rodriguez Jr. — are still on the roster. However, the recent emergence of the position in modern NFL offenses has some observers thinking Kliff Kingsbury might want more flexibility and production in the backfield.
None of the current quartet is signed beyond 2025. Rodriguez is scheduled to be a restricted free agent, which will allow the Commanders a lot of control in 2026.
Might Adam Peters invest a draft pick in the position?
Of all the prospects, only Ashton Jeanty is a lock to be off the board by the time the Commanders pick at the end of Round No. 1. Other options, both early and late, might draw some interest. Ollie Gordon II is one of them.
Ollie Gordon II 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Notes
- Height: 6-foot-1
- Weight: 226 pounds
- Recruiting Status: 19th-ranked running back in 2022; signed with Oklahoma State
Positives
- Professional physique
- Good speed for his size
- Moves well between the tackles
- Excellent hands
At the end of the 2023 college season, Gordon was among the top running backs in the country. His 1,732 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns earned him All-American honors. His numbers weren’t nearly as good in 2024, but when you watch his tape, he still does virtually everything he was doing previously.
Gordon is very patient in the box, sliding easily between gaps and using his bulk to break through early contact. In the open field, he has dynamic power. He can run away from linebackers and overwhelm defensive backs.
Aside from his sheer physicality, the best thing Gordon offers an NFL team is outstanding receiving skills. He is not a shifty route runner, but he is comfortable in space. And he has some of the best hands I have seen on a back.
He can make difficult catches. More importantly, Gordon makes routine catches look very easy. He never bobbles a throw or has to make unnecessary adjustments. Getting him out on screens and swing passes will yield solid gains in the pros.
Negatives
- Though patient, he will not make a lot of defenders miss in the hole
- Occasional ball security issues
- Pass protection is still evolving
- Dropoff in production in 2024 could be a red flag, though perhaps explainable due to the decreased talent surrounding him
Gordon is virtually the same size as Saquon Barkley and he has decent speed. But make no mistake, he is not going to be the home run hitter.
He has neither the quick acceleration nor the shiftiness to consistently turn nothing into something. Gordon’s vision and patience can result in solid gains, but he will need holes to open up.
As a blocker, he should continue to develop. His skills have not caught up to his physical potential, but that should come in time.
Gordon will not turn 22 years old until his rookie season is over, which could be viewed as both a positive and a negative. Though he has plenty of room to grow and improve, he also may lack some maturity.
Ollie Gordon II NFL Player Comparison: James Conner
Gordon has yet to display the ruggedness of James Conner. Even so, his combination of size, speed, and receiving skills suggest a young player who could blossom into a solid RB1 in time or form part of a dynamic rotation.
If he can improve his pass protection, Gordon could be an ideal fit in a Kliff Kingsbury scheme, and has the tools to step into Robinson’s workhorse role should the Alabama graduate depart after 2025.
Ollie Gordon II 2025 Draft Grade: 3rd-4th Round
Peters is missing picks in the middle rounds, where Gordon is likely to be drafted. He makes sense if Washington swings a deal to move back early and pick up additional mid-round selections.
The Commanders reportedly have had multiple meetings with the Oklahoma State back, so he appears to be very much on Peters’ radar.