The Washington Commanders are navigating the aftermath of the first wave of free agency with a few key roster spots still up for grabs. General Manager Adam Peters has made significant strides in bolstering the defense, but the offensive additions have largely been about adding depth, with tight end Chig Okonkwo standing out as a notable exception.
Fortunately for Washington, they hold the No. 7 overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. This prime position gives them a golden opportunity to secure a top-tier player to fill one of their critical needs. It's crucial that they make this pick count, as their next chance to select won't come until the third round at No. 71, and they don't have a fourth-round pick in their arsenal.
Given these circumstances, it's no wonder the Commanders are doing their homework on prospects likely to be available on Day 3 of the draft. One such prospect is Oregon running back Noah Whittington.
The team recently met with Whittington at Oregon's pro day. Although Whittington was sidelined from drills due to a recent surgery for a turf toe injury, he engaged with several teams, including the Commanders, Chiefs, and Bears, who all showed significant interest.
Whittington, standing at 5-foot-8 and weighing 203 pounds, began his collegiate journey at Western Kentucky before transferring to Oregon in 2022. Over four seasons, he amassed 2,294 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns. His time at Western Kentucky saw him rack up 656 yards and two touchdowns over two seasons.
Despite his turf toe surgery, Whittington has battled back from adversity before, having torn his ACL in 2023. He made a strong return, participating in 27 games for the Ducks over the past two seasons.
Projected as a late-round pick, Whittington could be a hidden gem, much like Jacory Croskey-Merritt, whom the Commanders snagged in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Croskey-Merritt went on to lead the team in both scoring and rushing as a rookie.
Adding to their backfield depth, Washington also brought in veteran running backs Rachaad White and Jerome Ford, and re-signed Jeremy McNichols. The Commanders are clearly positioning themselves to have a versatile and robust running game heading into the new season.