The Washington Commanders, Chicago Bears and Kansas City Chiefs reportedly interested in the same running back prospect ahead of the 2026 NFL draft.
That running back prospect, per Essentially Sports' Tony Pauline, is Oregon rusher Noah Whittington, who is working his way back from turf toe surgery.
Pauline notes that Whittington is not 100% healthy, which is why he didn't take part in Oregon's pro day. He did 24 bench reps at the NFL Combine, but that's all he has done during the pre-draft process.
Here's more from Pauline:
Running back Noah Whittington sat on the sidelines, as he has not fully recovered from the turf toe surgery he underwent several weeks ago. Although physically capable, Whittington skipped pro day drills to avoid any setbacks before camp as he is still not 100% recovered from turf toe surgery.
Whittington is getting a lot of interest from the Washington Commanders, Kansas City Chiefs, and Chicago Bears.
In 13 games last season, Whittington posted a personal best 829 rushing yards and six touchdowns while adding 19 catches for 98 yards and another score.
According to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, the 5-foot-8, 205-pound running back is a "downhill runner" who does his best work between the tackles but doesn't offer much as a pass-catcher.
"Sixth-year senior with three seasons of steady play and production for the Ducks. Whittington is a downhill runner who plays behind his pads and takes care of the football along the interior. He lacks speed to widen the field and fluidity to create for himself when there is no clear point of entry," Zierlein said.
"He’s tough and relatively decisive, with a knack for falling forward and adding yards through physicality. Whittington’s age and lack of true third-down value might work against him in his pursuit of a roster spot."
While Zierlein seems to be down on Whittington's speed, NFL Draft Buzz reveals his 40 time at 4.41, although the outlet admitted the Oregon product "wins with craft, not explosiveness, and breakaway runs are scarce."
The Chiefs could use more power in their backfield, which is now led by Kenneth Walker, and the Commanders don't have a true downhill runner, either.
The Bears are a different story, though, as Kyle Monangai operates as the thunder to D'Andre Swift's lightning. If Whittington can prove to be more explosive in the NFL, perhaps he'd be a future replacement for the latter.
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