Commanders could've had explosive RB in 2025 NFL Draft redraft by ESPN

The Washington Commanders had one of the most disappointing seasons in the NFL in 2025.

Running back was far from their only issue, but it was a bit of a struggling, revolving door all season long.

They could've taken a different approach to RB, and if they had a chance at a re-do of the 2025 NFL Draft, they might have done just that.

ESPN put together a redraft of the 2025 class after the rookie seasons of the draftees are in the books (aside from the Super Bowl). Their Commanders writer, Jonah Keim, thinks the Commanders could've used the No. 29 overall pick on RB TreVeyon Henderson out of Ohio State.

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Henderson actually went in the second round to the New England Patriots.

In the real draft, the Commanders chose offensive tackle Josh Conerly out of Oregon. ESPN has him going No. 16 in the redraft to the Arizona Cardinals, which at least proves that was a solid pick by Washington.

But with Conerly not on the board in this do-over, the Commanders get Henderson.

"The Commanders could target an offensive lineman or cornerback here, as they were reluctant to pick a running back in the first round last April," Keim writes. "But Henderson would have provided Washington with juice on offense, something it lacked all season. With the Patriots, he became the second player in NFL history to have two games with multiple 50-yard rushing touchdowns in his career, per ESPN Research, joining Chris Johnson (2009)."

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The Commanders ended up getting a running back in the seventh round, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who at least seemed to outperform his draft position as a rookie and can likely have a role with the Commanders going forward.

Washington likely would view the position differently, though, if Henderson had been the choice at the end of the first round. He'd be given the backfield keys. 

Instead, JCM is just a piece of the puzzle that the Commanders will continue to try to solve in the running game.

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