The Washington Commanders have been widely touted as a potential landing spot for Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. Whether he'll make it that far down the pecking order is anyone's guess, but general manager Adam Peters isn't leaving anything to chance.
Peters is eager to find out more about other running back prospects. Nobody has the game-changing credentials that Love brings to the table. Still, there could be some value to be had a little further down the pecking order.
According to reports, the Commanders are bringing in Emmett Johnson for a pre-draft visit. He's projected as a Day 2 selection by most experts, but he is coming into the league with a significant amount of momentum.
Commanders are examining other running backs other than Jeremiyah Love
Johnson earned lead-back duties with Nebraska last season, and he took full advantage. He was their offensive focal point from start to finish. Although head coach Matt Rhule's squad failed to meet even modest expectations, the backfield force became a shining light throughout.
The breakout was phenomenal. Johnson gained 1,451 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns from 251 carries. He added 46 receptions for 370 receiving yards and three scores through the air. More importantly, this bolstered his draft stock at the best possible time.
There is a lot to like about his on-field vision. Johnson is a patient runner who can exploit small gaps with exceptional lower-body agility, making rapid-fire cuts to gain yardage. He's also versatile, which is something that new offensive coordinator David Blough could be looking for.
Johnson has concerns. He is slightly undersized, which raises questions about whether he can become a true bellcow at the next level. His top-end speed isn't elite either, so the home-run element may not be there when he gets to the sport's pinnacle. The prospect also needs significant refinement as a pass blocker, which is arguably the weakest area of his game.
The Commanders don't have a second-round pick this year. That's probably a little too high for Johnson, in any case. But if they don't take Love in the first round, and the Cornhuskers' standout is still available when Washington goes on the clock at No. 71 overall, this wouldn't be a bad contingency plan.
Peters doesn't need to force anything. The Commanders currently have Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White, Jerome Ford, and Jeremy McNichols as their options. Johnson's arrival would add to their committee approach. But if Washington went with Love if he's available, the dynamic shifts completely.
Pre-draft visits dictate a level of interest. Love might be the popular choice, but the Commanders were intrigued enough by Johnson to warrant further investigation.
Whether it amounts to anything more hasn't been determined. But there isn't much longer to wait.