Commanders Eyeing Under-The-Radar Running Back in NFL Draft

Oregon's Noah Whittington could be a late-round steal for Washington's backfield

Mar. 21, 2026 at 8:51pm

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The Washington Commanders are looking to add depth and explosiveness to their running game in the upcoming NFL Draft, and one player they have their eye on is Oregon running back Noah Whittington. Despite limited pre-draft workouts due to a turf toe injury, Whittington impressed at the NFL Combine and could be a late-round value pick for the Commanders.

Why it matters

The Commanders' run game struggled at times last season, and they are looking to find more consistency and playmaking ability in the backfield. Whittington's blend of strength, explosiveness, and resilience could make him an under-the-radar gem if Washington is able to select him in the later rounds of the draft.

The details

Whittington, who stands at 5-foot-8 and 203 pounds, put up 24 bench press reps at the Combine, the second-most among running backs. He has shown the ability to play bigger than his size, with physicality and burst when carrying the ball. After suffering an ACL injury in 2023, Whittington bounced back to record a career-high 829 rushing yards while averaging 6.2 yards per carry in 2024.

  • Whittington continues to recover from a turf toe injury suffered during the playoffs.
  • The Commanders have been actively scouting prospects ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The players

Noah Whittington

An Oregon running back who is generating interest from the Washington Commanders as a potential late-round draft pick.

Adam Peters

The Washington Commanders' general manager who has identified the need to add depth and explosiveness to the team's run game.

Jeremy McNichols

A running back currently on the Commanders' roster who could be part of the team's backfield rotation.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt

A running back who was a late-round gem for the Commanders last season and could serve as an example of the type of value Whittington could provide.

Rachaad White

A free-agent addition to the Commanders' backfield this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“The #Commanders are showing strong interest in one under-the-radar prospect you need to be familiar with.”

— Josh Taylor

What’s next

The Commanders will continue to evaluate Whittington and other running back prospects ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, where they hold six total picks and could look to add depth and explosiveness to their backfield.

The takeaway

The Commanders' interest in Whittington highlights their desire to find value and upside in the later rounds of the draft, similar to how they struck gold with Jacory Croskey-Merritt last season. If Whittington can stay healthy and build on his impressive college production, he could be a low-risk, high-reward addition for Washington's offense.