Summarize and humanize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs in EnglishIt seems inevitable that the Washington Commanders will select a running back in next week’s 2025 NFL draft. Throughout this entire pre-draft process, the Commanders have been linked to numerous running backs. This running back class is considered one of the best in years, with two, potentially more running backs expected to go in the first round. Washington appears to be seeking a specific type of back. The Commanders’ top four running backs next season will be playing on the final year of their contracts. Washington is reportedly seeking a running back who can make big plays, but also play every down. The Commanders do not need the rookie to play every down next season. Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler are back, but Washington needs a back who can create more explosive plays. Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson is often linked with the Commanders, but Washington may need to use its first-round pick on Henderson. Would general manager Adam Peters want to spend a first-round pick on a running back with other needs to address? There’s also the depth of this running back class. Ashton Jeanty will be drafted inside the top 10. Omarion Hampton probably goes somewhere among the first 25 picks. Henderson could also land in the first round. So, let’s assume Washington looks for a running back after the first round. Here are six backs the Commanders could target after the first round. Quinshon Judkins, Ohio StateThe other Ohio State running back, Judkins will hear his name called early on Day 2. While not quite as fast as Henderson, Judkins isn’t slow, running a 4.48 40-yard dash. His overall testing numbers at the NFL combine were excellent across the board. He’s big, strong, can break tackles and keep the chains moving. Judkins is a future NFL lead back. Kaleb Johnson, IowaJohnson doesn’t appear to fit what everyone thinks the Commanders want and need. A talented back, Johnson can certainly play every down, but he’s not a big-play back. He has great size (6-foot-1, 224 pounds), but doesn’t always run as big as his size suggests. The Commanders did host Johnson on a pre-draft visit. You don’t do that without interest. Johnson was productive for multiple years in the Big Ten. He can play. Cam Skattebo, Arizona StateSkattebo doesn’t necessarily seem to fit Washington’s reported desire for an explosive back. While Skattebo didn’t blow his pre-draft testing out of the water, to quote former Washington GM Scot McCloughan, he’s a “football player.” Skattebo had a dominant final season, carrying Arizona State to the College Football Playoff and almost upsetting Texas. Skattebo can get you big plays because he is elite at breaking tackles, running over defenders and he reads his blocks well. Skattebo can also make plays in the passing game. Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia TechBhayshul Tuten lit up the NFL combine, running the 40-yard dash in 4.32 seconds. He’s solidly built (5-foot-9, 206 pounds) and has a powerful lower body, which makes him difficult to bring down. Tuten isn’t afraid to mix it up in pass protection and is also a capable receiver. He also returned two kickoffs for touchdowns at Virginia Tech. Tuten isn’t a perfect back, as he needs to cut down on his fumbles, but if he somehow lasts until the fourth round, we could look back and call him one of the draft’s biggest steals. Devin Neal, KansasDon’t overlook Devin Neal. He produced at Kansas for all four years, rushing for over 4,300 yards and 49 touchdowns. Neal doesn’t “wow” you in any one aspect. He didn’t come away from the NFL combine with scouts talking about his testing numbers, which is fine. NFL teams will turn on Neal’s tape and see a running back who always gets the job done. Neal is a powerful back who is excellent in short-yardage situations and follows his blocks as well, if not better, than any back in this class. Neal isn’t explosive, but he should have a long NFL career. RJ Harvey, UCFHarvey was excellent over the past two seasons, rushing for almost 3,000 yards and 38 touchdowns. Harvey is built similarly to Tuten (5-foot-8, 205 pounds) and tested fairly well at the NFL combine. While he’s not a home-run back, he produces. Harvey is a tough runner who can punish teams late in games with his style. Expected to go sometime on Day 3, Harvey would be no consolation prize for the Commanders. He can help an NFL team early in his career. This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: 6 potential RB targets for Commanders after 1st round
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