The Washington Commanders had a strong run in head coach Dan Quinn's first season. Now, it's time to find ways to build and improve upon a roster that went 12-5 in the regular season and advanced to the NFC Championship for the first time in over 30 years.
Over the next few weeks, Quinn and general manager Adam Peters will review their personnel to determine what moves should be made to bolster each position. Though we don't have any say in how the new front office will mold the team going forward, Commanders.com will look back at how each group performed last season, breaking down top performers and looking ahead at where they could go next.
The running backs are up next.
On the roster
Brian Robinson Jr.: 187 carries, 799 yards, 8 TDs; 25 targets, 20 receptions, 159 yards
Austin Ekeler: 77 carries, 367 yards, 4 TDs; 41 targets, 35 receptions, 366 yardsJeremy McNichols: 55 carries, 261 yards, 4 TDs; 12 targets, 9 receptions, 27 yards
Chris Rodriguez Jr.: 35 carries, 173 yards, 2 TDs; 1 target, 1 reception, 12 yards
Top performers (per Pro Football Focus)
OVR: Chris Rodriguez Jr. (88.4)
RUN: Chris Rodriguez Jr. (90.1)
REC: Austin Ekeler (72.6)
Stats to know
-- Ekeler was limited during the regular season due to being placed in the concussion protocol twice, but he proved he is still an explosive weapon with the ball. His 521 yards after the catch ranked seventh among all running backs this season.
-- It was another solid season overall for Robinson, despite missing three games. He hit a career-high in rushing yards and touchdowns, including a 40-yarder against the Tennessee Titans. Robinson also continued to be a physical presence that was hard to stop, as 421 of his yards came after contact.
-- Washington's quarterbacks were a key part of its top-five ground attack in 2024. Jayden Daniels led the team with 891 yards and set a rookie record for his position. He was by far the team's most effective ball carrier, as he averaged six yards per carry and picked up 55 first downs with his legs.
Questions to answer
-- A chance to improve? The Commanders technically don't need to add another running back with Robinson and Ekeler both under contract, but there are several options in free agency and the draft that could improve the position. Perhaps the team isn't in the market for players at the top of the market like Aaron Jones, Nick Chubb or Najee Harris, but it could be interested in a change-of-pace option like Rico Dowdle, Cam Akers or Chase Edmonds.
The same could be said for the draft. Boise State's Ashton Jeanty is at the top of many analysts' big boards, but this year includes a stacked class of players. Players like R.J. Harvey and Kansas' Devin Neal will likely be available on Day 2 or even Day 3 or the draft. Washington will likely continue to rely on their ground game in 2025, so it would make sense to revamp their running backs to get the most out of the group.
Free agency
Click HERE to see all the players the Commanders could pursue in free agency with their available cap space.
Draft
Click HERE to see Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.'s Big Board of draft prospects.
