Of all the positions that the Washington Commanders could use some help, one that has been brought up more infrequently is running back.
Brian Robinson Jr. has been fairly productive during his three campaigns in D.C. Veteran free-agent signing Austin Ekeler remains projected to return for the final season of his two-year contract with the Commanders. However, the 2024 season showed that a true superstar running back can still elevate a team in today's NFL after all.
Washington does not have that currently.
On the bright side for the Commanders, the 2025 NFL Draft's running back class is nothing short of stacked. Boise State's Ashton Jeanty, the 2024 Heisman Trophy runner-up, is the headliner and probably will be off the board by the time Washington selects at No. 29 overall. There are several other options with high-end upside, some of whom may even fall into the second round.
North Carolina's Omarion Hampton, Iowa's Kaleb Johnson, and Ohio State's TreVeyon Henderson are all players who the Commanders should strongly consider taking should they drop. If none are available, Tennessee's Dylan Sampson and Arizona State's Cam Skattebo are intriguing prospects as well.
Commanders must add another prolific running back from deep 2025 NFL Draft class
With both Robinson and Ekeler in contract years, Washington must begin shaping the future of its backfield in 2025.
Given his age and recent history with concussions, Ekeler could be a candidate for a surprise roster cut this spring, and the draft pick would split carries with Robinson. If everything goes well, the chosen prospect would become the lead back in 2026 after the Commanders let the former Alabama standout walk.
The Commanders have more important immediate needs than their running back room, notably the offensive and defensive lines, the secondary, as well as wide receiver depth behind second-team All-Pro Terry McLaurin. Most of those should be prioritized through free agency, where Washington will have the league's third-most cap space at $82.21 million with 46 players under contract.
By the time the draft rolls around, the Commanders could feature a much more complete roster than the one they currently boast. Running back — not a position typically addressed in free agency — may be among the biggest holes left to fill. Even if Washington isn't able to land an immediately game-changing back, it could end up with a future star with the right development and situation.
Who that will be remains to be seen. But when the first two days of the 2025 NFL Draft are in the record books, expect one of the Commanders' first three picks to be another prolific backfield partner for quarterback Jayden Daniels.