Commanders likely to target standout running back in NFL Draft

The Washington Commanders have the No. 7 overall pick in the NFL Draft, and they may have a clear idea of where they would like to go with it already.

The Commanders have no glaring need in the draft, but would love to add a foundational piece. As such, Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic suggests Washington “would have no reason to hesitate” if Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love were available when they pick.

Love is not necessarily a certainty. Jhabvala suggests wide receivers Carnell Tate and Jordyn Tyson and safety Caleb Downs would also make sense in that spot.

The Commanders were a mess last year, but a lot of that had to do with quarterback Jayden Daniels’ injury problems. With Daniels healthy, there is no reason to think Washington will not be significantly better, and a top ten draft pick could help that process along even further.

For now, Washington has a set of veteran pieces at running back, but none stand out as a true No. 1 option or game-changing player. Love is the reigning Doak Walker Award winner after a season in which he ran for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns, firmly establishing himself as a top draft prospect.

Commanders fans would probably be enthusiastic about Love immediately, if only because of how clueless he is about one of their main rivals.