Commanders’ latest top-30 visit isn’t getting talked about enough, but he could be a surprise selection nobody expects
The Washington Commanders added another intriguing prospect to their top-30 list, and he could end up being their biggest surprise pick in the 2026 NFL Draft when it’s all said and done.
The Washington Commanders are 10 days out before they get to work and add to the future of the franchise through the 2026 NFL Draft.
They’ve done an extensive job on evaluating the talent in the NFL Draft, and even learned more about certain prospects on top-30 visits in the Commanders’ facilities. One of their latest top-30 visits was a pleasant surprise as an intriguing prospect who could shake up the draft board and their RB room.
The Washington Commanders host RB Emmett Johnson for a top-30 visit
The Commanders have been heavily linked to elite RB Jeremiyah Love since the NFL Scouting Combine, but it’s becoming highly unlikely he makes it to No. 7 overall. They could audible and take another top RB, which nobody expects right now. The chances of that happening grew even more with the Washington Commanders bringing in RB Emmett Johnson for a top-30 visit.
Johnson has a chance to be the third or fourth RB taken in the NFL Draft, which means the Commanders would have to trade back for more Day 2 picks, or take him at No. 71 overall, which would be a stunner. The Commanders can absolutely add another RB, and Johnson is worth keeping an eye on.
Why the Washington Commanders should draft RB Emmett Johnson
The running game was one of the Washington Commanders’ strongest units last season, but the RB room looks a lot different after some changes. Rachaad White joined the Commanders on a one-year deal, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s RB1 next season. Bill Croskey-Merritt is also looking to build off an impressive rookie season and become a more complete RB.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. went to the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency, but Jeremy McNichols returned, and he could be fighting for a spot. Drafting Johnson would certainly throw a wrench in things with his type of talent.
Johnson is a shift RB at 5-11, 200 pounds who forced 68 missed tackles in 2025, which was the ninth most in the country. He creates explosive plays with his vision and burst off the line of scrimmage, and collected 1,450 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns last year.
Fans might hate the pick, but Johnson is uber talented and could be the RB1 of the future for the Washington Commanders. If they trade back and add another Day 2 pick, Johnson could definitely be an option worth considering to boost the offense even more.