The Washington Commanders have a big question mark at the running back position going into the offseason.
Three running backs who played key roles at points in the 2025 season will all be free agents, with Austin Ekeler, Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez set to hit the open market, leaving rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt as the only running back.
At the very least, the Commanders need more depth behind Croskey-Merritt, but they may also look to add a starter if Washington isn't sold on the young running back, who had an up-and-down rookie campaign.
With that in mind, Charlie Campbell of Walter Football predicts the Commanders will draft Notre Dame star running back Jeremiyah Love at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Washington needs to get Jayden Daniels more help. Here’s a back to supercharge the ground game and provide better down-and-distance situations for Daniels.
In 2025, Love averaged 6.9 yards per carry for 1,372 yards with 18 touchdowns. He had 27 catches for 280 yards with three touchdowns receiving, and Love has blocked well in pass protection In 2024, Love had a breakout season for the Fighting Irish, producing a lot of clutch plays to help the Irish reach the National Championship. As a sophomore, Love averaged 6.9 yards per carry for 1,125 yards with 17 touchdowns. He also caught 28 passes for 237 yards. Love has a strong build and is a physical downhill runner. Love is a talented runner with speed and instincts. He reminds me of Nick Chubb at Georgia.
Love is far and away the best running back in this year's class. He has all the tools to be a three-down back and superstar in the NFL.
He's a powerful and explosive runner, but Love is also a top-notch pass-catcher out of the backfield (he can even line up in the slot) and can hold his own in pass protection.
Adding a weapon like Love will help take pressure off quarterback Jayden Daniels, who won't have to carry the load as much with a difference-maker at running back capable of taking games over.
The Commanders have a ton of holes to fill this offseason, so they may be hesitant to take a running back this early, but few players in this draft can make the kind of positive impact Love can, so we could see Washington springing for him.
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