The NFL Draft is just around the corner, and mock drafts are running rampant on the internet. Washington Commanders fans have been speculating who the Commanders will take with the overall number seven pick.
Despite being highly active in free agency over the past month, they have primarily addressed needs on the defensive front. While there are still pressing needs on defense, they equally need to make some moves on offense. There have been rumblings that the Commanders may go the wide receiver route and look at Carnell Tate out of Ohio State if he is still available by the time Washington is on the clock.
Aside from wide receiver, the Commanders also need to address whether they intend to bring on a premier running back. Washington recently added Rachaad White during free agency to help with the workload. White is likely the most versatile weapon they have in the backfield at this point. They also have Jacory (Bill) Croskey-Merritt, who led the Commanders last year in rushing yards with 800, as well as eight touchdowns.
By the time the number seven draft pick becomes available, there is a strong probability that Jeremiyah Love, the running back out of Notre Dame, will be available.
Would Drafting a Running Back be the Commanders’ Worst-Case Scenario?
According to John Kosko at Pro Football Focus, the Commanders drafting a running back with the number seven overall pick would be a worst-case scenario situation.
“The Commanders attempted to surround Jayden Daniels with veteran talent to make a push for a Super Bowl. However, those pieces didn’t pan out as Daniels took a step back and was oft-injured said Kosko. With several weaknesses on the roster, selecting a non-premium position with a decorated draft pick would be a massive misstep for an organization that has been able to find good running back talent late in the draft Kosko continued.”
While Kosko is correct, the Commanders have been able to find serviceable talent late in the draft, they have not had a top-tier running back in quite some time. Depending on who is still available on the defensive front, Jeremiyah Love may not be the worst pick they could make. Adding a premier running back would take a massive load off Jayden Daniels, and after missing out on bigger names in free agency like Kenneth Walker III and Breece Hall, who was slapped with the franchise tag by the Jets, the Commanders could use an elite rusher.
Kosko further discussed the temptation of the Commanders potentially picking Jeremiah Love.
“With Jeremyiah Love likely to be available at the Commanders’ first pick, the temptation will be great. Yet, it must be resisted despite the potential of a high-powered Daniels and Love backfield.”
Will Love Even Drop to Number 7?
Although Love could be around when the Commanders are on the board, NFL Analyst Todd McShay seems to think that Love will be drafted by a division rival of Washington.
“For the reasons I just outlined with the Titans, I’m not fully convinced this is the pick. Pairing Sonny Styles with recently signed LB Tremaine Edmunds could be tempting for the Giants, and I like Caleb Downs here as well. But league intel suggests the Giants are one of the most likely teams to take Love in the top 10 (along with the Commanders and Chiefs, or possibly a team like the Rams in a trade up).
If you’re drafting a back this high, he needs to be a weapon—and Love is. With excellent speed (4.36 40), natural hands, and a real route-running ability, he gives Jaxson Dart a true explosive outlet.
This would signal a clear offensive vision: build around the run game and play-action, similar to how Baltimore developed around Lamar Jackson. Pairing Love with Cam Skattebo (pre-injury form) and Tyrone Tracy Jr. gives the Giants a deep, versatile backfield capable of carrying the offense and maximizing Dart’s strengths.”
Would drafting a running back at the number 7 overall pick be the Commanders’ worst-case scenario? We will get the answer soon enough. The NFL Draft begins April 23, and whether the Commanders lean into upside or play it safe will not stay a mystery for long. Until then, it is all noise, guesses, and a whole lot of people pretending they know how this plays out.