The Washington Commanders need to revamp the running game, and could take advantage of a really deep running back class in the 2025 NFL draft. If general manager Adam Peters decides to wait until after their first two rounds of the draft to select a running back, he has plenty of sleeper options that could make an immediate impact that aren't being talked about enough.
Jarquez Hunter, RB, Auburn
Jarquez Hunter is hands down my favorite Day 3 running back in the draft, and I think he's worthy of pick 104 for Washington. Jarquez has the perfect blend of speed and strength to be an every-down back in the NFL. The former Tiger lacks size at 5-foot-9 and 204 pounds, but it doesn't show on film with his contact balance and physical playing style. Hunter uses his size to his advantage, especially when running through gaps and finding an open lane to break upfield.
When targeting the A and B gaps on a run, Hunter averaged eight yards per attempt on 92 carries, and 27% of his runs went for more than 10 yards. Hunter fits into multiple run schemes at the next level with 88 zone attempts and 98 gap attempts in 2024. He rushed for over 2,000 yards in his last two seasons and would be an excellent addition to the running back room for Washington. The Commanders met with Hunter at the Senior Bowl, Auburn's Pro Day, as well as a Zoom meeting recently.
Jarquez Hunter is already a pro in zone schemes. Great center of gravity/contact balance. Doesn't have any elite athletic traits, but he is Mr. Dependable across the board. pic.twitter.com/llU8gEvcsM
— Ryan Parish (@RyanParishmedia) April 7, 2025
DJ Giddens, RB, Kansas State
I debated putting Giddens on this list because he's likely a third-round draft pick and Washington doesn't have a third-round pick, but he's too underrated not to be on the list. If Washington trades back from 61 and collects a pick in the 70-90 range, I'm hoping for Giddens. DJ Giddens is an elite athlete with the ceiling of a premier every-down back in the NFL. Giddens plays with patience and vision, and flips the switch to speed and power when it's time to get up the field.
He has a 6-foot, 212-pound frame to mix with his athleticism of 4.43 40-yard dash speed (1.49 10-yard split), and 10-foot-10 broad jump. Giddens rushed for over 2,569 yards in the last two seasons and also added 11.6 yards per reception in that same time frame, making him a complete threat in the backfield. He's a big play waiting to happen as he finished tied for 7th in the country with 25 runs of 15+ yards in 2024. Washington would have their RB1 for a long time if they drafted DJ Giddens. This is my dream pick after the second round.
Every Kansas State RB DJ Giddens breakaway run 15+yard from 2024 #NFLDraft2025pic.twitter.com/D7FAmXl6Vx
— Ray G (@RayGQue) March 7, 2025
Jo'Quavious "Woody" Marks, RB, Southern Cal
Woody Marks is a familiar target for the
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