James Weaver warned that Washington could be the surprise third running-back landing spot and sprinkled the Commanders ‘To Draft a RB in Round 1’ at 11-to-1 with TreVeyon Henderson circled as the target. Weaver noted the club’s public waffling on Austin Ekeler, inconsistent faith in Brian Robinson, and new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s history of leaning on explosive three-down backs. Henderson checks those boxes with 4.38 speed, 36-inch vert and proven pass-pro chops. Weaver admitted he ultimately stayed on Raybon’s Under 2.5 RBs position, but views the long-odds Commanders stab as a cheap hedge that cashes if Washington shocks the market late Thursday night.

Derek Brown highlighted Washington at 10‑to‑1 to open its draft with a running back, labeling it a "DBro special" worth a sprinkle. He noted Washington’s three glaring roster holes—running back, cornerback, and safety—and argued new GM Adam Peters could address the latter two positions later in a deep class, leaving pick 29 for a premium ball‑carrier. Brown sees the bet hinging on TreVeyon Henderson’s rising buzz; if the Buckeye star sneaks into Round 1, Amarian Hampton or Jonathan Brooks would still leave the Commanders several viable paths to pull the trigger. With coaches Dan Quinn and Kliff Kingsbury both favoring run‑heavy schemes, Brown believes the 10‑1 price understates the probability Washington makes Henderson or Hampton its first selection.

Scott Smith planted his flag on Boston College edge Donovan Ezeiruaku for Washington at pick 29. Smith highlighted that Ezeiruaku logged a top‑30 visit, fits the organization’s obsession with team captains (seven of nine 2024 selections were captains), and fills the Commanders’ obvious edge‑depth hole after trading away Za’Darius Smith. Ezeiruaku produced double‑digit sacks and tackles‑for‑loss last fall, but Smith admitted the 6'3", 253‑pounder must dial back his spin‑move spam and add lower‑body strength to shore up run defense. Ben Standig backed the call, noting Washington ranked 31st in pressure rate and sees Ezeiruaku’s relentless motor as a schematic match for Dan Quinn. Bettors can chase Ezeiruaku under 34.5 and exact‑team “Commanders first‑round edge” props, while IDP and best‑ball drafters should view him as a Year‑1 600‑snap disruption play opposite Dorance Armstrong.

Thor Nystrom sent Georgia’s Mykel Williams to Washington at No. 29, arguing the pick lines up perfectly with Dan Quinn’s mandate for edges who “play the run like linebackers.” Williams set a clean edge on 82 % of graded run snaps last season—best among SEC starters—and still chipped in 41 pressures despite Georgia’s containment‑heavy rules. Nystrom emphasized that Quinn’s Cowboys benched Dante Fowler mid‑season because of run gaps even as he piled up sacks; the new staff will not repeat that mistake. Williams’ 34‑inch arms and 6‑5/270 frame give him the strength to rag‑doll tight ends while still flashing a ghost move that clocked a 0.78‑second get‑off at the Dawgs’ pro day. Books have yet to adjust: his draft‑slot O/U sits at 31.5 and ‘First Edge Defender drafted after pick 20 – Williams’ pays +300. Thor advised rushing to the window before the positional run he anticipates pushes Williams into the mid‑twenties consensus.

Matt Perrault, referencing a conversation with Derek Brown (DeBrow), expressed confidence in the Washington Commanders using their first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on a safety. Perrault cited DeBrow's analysis that the Commanders have substantially improved their offense, adding Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel to protect and support quarterback Jim Daniels. Consequently, Washington is likely prioritizing defensive improvement at pick number 29. Perrault particularly highlighted the fit for a safety, mentioning Malachi Starks from Georgia as a strong candidate projected by multiple draft analysts, including 'the33rdTeam.com.' He also mentioned the potential for Washington trading slightly up or down in the draft but still focusing their first pick on a safety, making this bet appealing at its +900 odds.

Andy Holloway defended Terry McLaurin’s spot inside his top‑15 ranks, reminding listeners the veteran just posted an 82‑114‑1,251 line with a career‑high 13 touchdowns and a 4‑yard‑higher aDOT than similarly ranked Ladd McConkey. While acknowledging 13 scores is unlikely to repeat, Holloway still expects double‑digit TDs because rookie quarterback Jaden Daniels showed a tendency to pepper his WR1 in the red zone at LSU. Debo Samuel’s arrival does siphon some target share, yet Holloway noted the Commanders’ coaching staff has openly talked about featuring pass‑catching running backs—something that historically stretches defenses and frees McLaurin downfield. With an ADP around WR16 (late third round), Holloway views him as a bargain WR1/2 whose worst‑case range of outcomes is a high‑floor WR2 season.