Commanders 7-round 2024 NFL mock draft: New beginnings edition

Commanders draft Bucky Irving

• Running Back | Oregon Ducks
• Round 3 | No. 100 overall

While running back wouldn't be considered the biggest need heading into the first offseason under general manager Adam Peters, no team can ever have enough dynamic playmakers. There's also the small matter of Antonio Gibson's status to factor into the equation.

Gibson is a free agent this spring. There's a chance that the Washington Commanders could bring him back on a team-friendly deal. There's also the growing trend around the league about not giving players at the position a second deal to ponder.

If the Commanders feel like they'd get more bang for their buck elsewhere, then finding another backfield presence to go alongside Brian Robinson Jr. and Chris Rodriguez Jr. should be considered during the 2024 NFL Draft. Bucky Irving has the necessary dual-threat capabilities to replace Gibson. He's been a model of consistency over the last two seasons and took his game to new heights during the 2023 campaign.

Irving is incredibly elusive. He's not the biggest running back to ever grace the league, but the prospect is an aggressive runner with outstanding on-field vision to spot gaps and explode accordingly.

There's no doubt Irving is best running outside the tackles. This is where his sharp cuts and ability to absorb contact begin to stand out. One cannot overlook the Oregon star's ability as a quick-release route-runner and significant pass-catching asset, either.

The Commanders would benefit greatly from Irving's presence if Gibson departed. But he might end up going higher than this when it's all said and done.