If top-30 visits are any indication of a team’s interest for the NFL Draft, then the Washington Commanders have made it clear they are looking to add to their running back room. The Commanders met with Iowa State running back Breece Hall earlier this week, per ESPN’s John Keim.
Keim also reports Washington will meet Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker III this week as well.
It’s been widely reported throughout the off-season, Washington wants to add another early-down option to pair with lead rusher Antonio Gibson.
Gibson was Washington’s lead rusher each of the last two seasons. However, he has been nicked and injured throughout. While Gibson is entering Year 3 and still young, the grind of a 17-game schedule makes having three capable running backs imperative.
Gibson hobbled through 16 games last season. He rushed for 1,037 yards and seven touchdowns. Yet he had six fumbles, which drew the ire of his coaches.
The Commanders would also like to get Gibson more involved in the passing game. Last season, he had 42 catches for 294 yards and three touchdowns.
Washington re-signed J.D. McKissic this offseason after wrestling him away from the grasp of Buffalo. McKissic has been the Commanders top third down and receiving back. But, he is coming off a neck injury that ended his 2021 season.
Hall or Walker would be great options to add in the backfield. Hall ran a 4.39 at the scouting combine. He was Iowa State’s offense. He led the nation with 1,572 rushing yards in 2020 with 20 touchdowns. In 2022, he picked up 1,472 yards on the ground and 21 touchdowns.
Hall is also a capable receiver out of the backfield. He hauled in 36 catches for 302 yards last year. He is expected to be the first running back selected in the draft. But he’s projected to go late in the first round or early in the second.
Meanwhile, Walker had a breakout year in 2021 after transferring from Wake Forest to Michigan State. He rushed for 1,636 yards and 18 touchdowns. He ran a 4.38 at the combine.
If Washington somehow lands either back, they’ll probably pick him in the second round. Neither is projected to be drafted as high as the Commanders’ first-round selection at No. 11. Could this mean Washington may trade back in the first round?
Hall is the total package and could provide one heck of a 1-2 punch with Gibson. Mixing him with McKissic would give Washington one of the best trio of running backs, if not the best.
Walker is a speedy thumper. Him being able to take the load off Gibson would be a huge plus during the grind of a 17-game schedule.
