The Washington Commanders were one of the best offenses in football last season under Kliff Kingsbury, with their rushing attack one of the better units in the league.
Jayden Daniels played his role in that, so too did Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler, Jeremy McNichols, and Chris Rodriguez.
But it is clear the Commanders are in win-now mode after the trade for San Francisco 49ers star Deebo Samuel, so they aren't exactly waiting on young players developing right now.
That brings us to the draft, and in ESPN's latest two-round mock draft, with Pick 61, the Commanders get an underrated back to come in and help give the rushing attack some extra muscle - Iowa's Kalen Johnson.
"As seen with the acquisitions of cornerback Marshon Lattimore and receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., the Commanders are going all-in while quarterback Jayden Daniels is still on his rookie deal," ESPN writes. "A young running back is an underrated need, and Johnson would fit perfectly into Kliff Kingsbury's offense. His one-cut-and-accelerate style, combined with pass-catching upside, would help him thrive in Washington's scheme."
Johnson is a bruising runner and has the patience to follow his blockers to wait for a hole to open up, and then hit the gas.
Boasting a 4.5 40-yard dash speed, Johnson's numbers from last year perhaps go under the radar due to what Ashton Jeanty did, but Kaleb's 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns are nothing to sneeze at.
His side and strength allow him to break tackles, and he has good hands to be an option in the pass game. We also know how Kingsbury likes to use his backs in creative ways.
He might be an under-the-radar pick, but Johnson in Washington's offense could be fireworks in 2025.
