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Commanders Poised For Major Change Ahead Of NFL Draft

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Apr 19, 2025 1:15 PM ET

The Washington Commanders had one of the best run games in football last season as Jayden Daniels led the offense to 12 regular-season wins off the back of a good run game.

Averaging 149.1 yards per game, the Commanders were a run-heavy football team, and that was with Daniels leading the way with 891 rushing yards, Brian Robinson Jr. (799) and Austin Ekeler (367) the main trio that Kliff Kingsbury used.

But both Robinson Jr. and Ekeler weren't big-play threats, and aside from Daniels, the run game wasn't that explosive, which brings us to the draft and the abundance of quality backs set to be available.

For ESPN's Matt Miller, getting an explosive back like Ohio State's TreVeyon Henderson, fills a big need for the offense.

"Trading for left tackle Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. took care of two big needs, but Washington is still missing a true game changer at running back," Miller writes. "Henderson has elite hands to catch passes from Jayden Daniels, and his big-play ability is something this unit lacks."

Running a 4.43 40-yard dash shows Henderson has the home-run threat the Commanders need, plus his ability as a pass protector will see teams lean his way as well.

Not the best "runner" in the class, but Henderson has enough patience to wait for holes to develop before hitting the gas, plus, once he gets outside, he can pick up big gains on the ground.

So coach Dan Quinn is poised to move off of Brian Robinson Jr. (somehow) and to make a major change here?

So yes, the Commanders' run game was great last season, but adding Henderson will supercharge it while also allowing Daniels to not have to be Kingsbury's main running weapon.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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