Commanders Find Running Back Depth in 2026 NFL Mock Draft originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Washington Commanders are coming off an impressive 2024 campaign that saw the team appear in an NFC Championship game for the first time since the 1991 season.
A new ownership group, a new quarterback and a new coaching staff have all seemingly turned the tables on a slump the franchise had found itself in over the past 25 seasons.
As the team attempts to build and improve on last year’s campaign, general manager Adam Peters will be hoping to build some depth to key positions as a foundation for future success.
The running back room is currently particularly shallow past starter Brian Robinson Jr., and that’s something Peters will have to address.
Entering 2025, the Commanders have Austin Ekeler, Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Jeremy McNichols behind Robinson, and the upcoming season will tell how that depth works out.
But PFSN predicts that Washington will select a potentially star running back in 2026, in Penn State’s Nicholas Singleton.
ROUND 1, PICK27 – Washington Commanders: Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State
“Nicholas Singleton was a standout running back last season and was projected as an early pick in the 2025 NFL Draft had he declared. His explosive running, excellent vision, impressive power, contact balance and patience make him a dynamic player that projects as a future bell cow at the next level. The Commanders, seeking to enhance their run game, could significantly benefit from Singleton’s talent.
“While Brian Robinson is a capable player, Singleton would provide the much-needed juice to their backfield, elevating the team’s rushing attack.”
Related: Commanders’ All-Pro Running Back Might Not Survive Roster Cuts
Related: Commanders’ All-Pro Running Back Might Not Survive Roster Cuts
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 28, 2025, where it first appeared.