Commanders keeping close eye on star RB prospect

The Washington Commanders continue their deep dive into this year’s draft class under the new regime of head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters. With holes still to fill and depth to develop, Washington is evaluating players across multiple rounds and positions.

The Commanders welcomed a talented group of prospects to their facility Tuesday for a Top 30 pre-draft visit, giving the team a closer look at several names who could factor into their 2025 NFL Draft strategy.

According to The Athletic's Ben Standig, six players made the trip to Washington. The list includes notable names on both sides of the ball.

Sources: Commanders are bringing in several prospects for "30" visits on Tuesday. Those expected include:

RB Ollie Gordon
OT Josh Conerly
OT Anthony Belton
DE Donovan Ezeiruaku
CB Maxwell Hairston
CB Quincy Riley
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) April 14, 2025

Ollie Gordon (RB, Oklahoma State)

Oklahoma State's Ollie Gordon II (0) rushes in the second half of the college football between the Oklahoma State University Cowboys and the Utah Utes at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Sept., 21, 2024. | SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

In 2023, Washington had the opportunity to closely observe one of the most dynamic running backs in college football. During that year, Gordon accomplished the remarkable feat of leading the nation in rushing with 1,732 yards while also securing a Big 12-leading 21 rushing touchdowns.

While he had a down year in 2024, his outstanding performance during his career solidified his place as one of the great running backs available in this draft. Gordon emerges as a promising candidate to fulfill the role of a feature back with uncertainty in the room next season.

Josh Conerly (OT, Oregon)

Jan 1, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr. (76) against the Liberty Flames during the 2024 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

An athletic and technically sound tackle, Conerly is viewed as one of the more promising offensive linemen in the draft. His footwork and agility make him a strong candidate to protect the blind side.

The Commanders may not have an urgent need at tackle, but depth and long-term planning are always in play—and Conerly checks both boxes.

Anthony Belton (OT, NC State)

Mar 2, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NC State offensive lineman Anthony Belton (OL02) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Belton is another offensive tackle prospect who stood out in the ACC for his size and strength. More of a developmental prospect than Conerly, Belton offers upside in the run game and could be molded into a future starter. Washington clearly wants to fortify the offensive trenches, and Belton gives them a physical option to consider on Day 3.

Donovan Ezeiruaku (EDGE, Boston College)

Nov 16, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Boston College Eagles defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku (6) in action during the game between the SMU Mustangs and the Boston College Eagles at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Ezeiruaku played for the Boston College Eagles for four seasons and was productive. He was explosive and had 16.5 sacks which tied Harold Landry’s for most in a single season in Boston College history. The Commanders lost Dante Fowler Jr. this offseason and he could be a solid replacement on the line to help fortify the Commanders front.

Maxwell Hairston (CB, Kentucky)

Sep 21, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats defensive back Maxwell Hairston (1) runs onto the field before the game against the Ohio Bobcats at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

Hairston, a two-year starter at Kentucky, had six total interceptions in the last two seasons, including three that were returned for touchdowns. Hairston could significantly impact the Commanders defense, benefiting from a strong defensive line that would lessen the pressure on him to perform immediately.

Quincy Riley (CB, Louisville)

Louisville Cardinals defensive back Quincy Riley (3) warms up ahead of their game against the Austin Peay Governors on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024 at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium in Louisville, Ky. | Clare Grant/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Over his three seasons at Louisville, Riley recorded 109 tackles (six for a loss), one sack, 27 passes defensed, eight interceptions, one touchdown, and a forced fumble. The Commanders are a touch thin in the secondary, and Riley could be on their radar to help add depth to that unit.

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2025 offseason.

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