Rachaad White
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Commanders RB Rachaad White during a 2025 game.
Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters continues to fill out the roster, most recently by signing former Tampa Bay Buccaneers rusher Rachaad White. However, a couple of radio hosts believe that White’s signing shouldn’t end the running back room renovation.
In fact, if the draft presents an opportunity, the general manager needs to consider taking it. The “Sports Junkies” podcast discussed the potential addition of Notre Dame running back Jeremiah Love if he is still available at the No. 7 pick.
“You don’t have a ton of running backs in the room. I would have no problem picking Jeremiah Love at seven even with the White signing because you’re going to carry at least three running backs anyway, right?
Currently, White and Jacory Closkey-Merritt make up the Commanders’ running back group, leaving the team with limited depth. Chris Rodriguez has signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, while Jeremy McNichols is now a free agent. Given Peters’ preference for younger talent and the current roster situation, the team may look for additional options at running back.
Austin Ekeler is also a free agent after playing 14 games for the Commanders over the last two seasons. With so much talent leaving, the discussion centers on why pairing White and Love could be beneficial.
Was expecting to enjoy #Commanders RB Rachaad White’s tape as a pass-catcher and blocker. I actually ended up loving it as a rusher
What I noticed:
-Always seems to fall forward (think Zeke)
-Good vision and timing getting to the hole
-Runs through arm tackles#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/UPGwUGeeDm
— Full Command (@CommandersHtt) March 13, 2026
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Pairing Love and White Gives Offense Balance
“Having a top-10 talent at number seven could significantly upgrade the backfield. This signing could serve as insurance if Jeremiah Love is unavailable at seven. With Bill, Rashad White, and potential additions through the draft or free agency, management maximizes flexibility,” the conversation concluded.
Analyst consensus suggests Love is likely an immediate starter. Draft experts cite multiple evaluative factors supporting Love’s readiness. His acceleration and field-scoring ability represent quantifiable strengths that can quickly alter game dynamics, such as converting a second-and-four into a 45-yard touchdown. No other back entered the conversation as a supplanter of Love as the top back in the 2026 draft class.
Consider your timeline blessed with this 98 yard touchdown run from Jeremiyah Love
pic.twitter.com/hNpWp1ZfKY
— Biased Notre Dame Fan (@CFBGuy999) February 28, 2026
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Additionally, Love’s contact balance allows him to slip through and evade arm tackles or shoulder hits without halting his progress. His patience could net the Commanders not just big plays but also crucial first downs to control the clock.
White perfectly complements Love for one reason: receiving prowess. White has dropped only four passes while securing 205 receptions. Furthermore, he hasn’t dropped a pass since 2023. According to Pro Football Focus, he has the best hands among running backs in the past two seasons. In each of the last three seasons, White has caught no less than 88.9% of his targets. As a third-down back, he produced 53 first downs as a receiver.
Rachaad White
GettyNew Commanders RB Rachaad White during his time as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Washington Run Game Looks to Improve With or Without Love
If Peters passes on Love or if another team selects him before No. 7, the Commanders will have additional options later in the draft. Jadarian Price, Love’s Notre Dame teammate, could be a Day Two selection. Additionally, Arkansas’ Mike Washington, who boasts a 225-pound frame and impressive speed, may be targeted early in Day Three. No matter the route, White offers a reliable foundation as the team continues to rebuild its running game.
Arkansas Running Back Mike Washington has it all:
➖6’1″ 223 lbs 💪
➖126.9 Speed Score (100th Percentile) 🏎️
➖4.33 40-Yard Dash (99th)
➖130.3 Burst Score (92nd)
Oh, and he’ll only be 22 on draft day.
Is Washington the clear RB2 in the 2026 class? pic.twitter.com/DCN2l27Gd8
— PlayerProfiler (@rotounderworld) March 2, 2026
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