Project draft position: RB35, Round 8

First of all, it’s weird to write about Ekeler as a Commander. After seven seasons with the Chargers, the versatile back now moves to the nation’s capital for a fresh start. So far, fantasy drafters don’t seem impressed. Ekeler is 29 years old, coming off an injury-riddled season and transitioning to a new offense. Not exactly a combination that inspires confidence.  

On the flip side, Ekeler still won’t hit the dreaded “30-year-old” age cliff until next May. He’s (hopefully) fully healthy after some nagging ankle issues last year. And he’s reuniting with his former head coach, Anthony Lynn, who now oversees Washington’s running backs. Even with a running quarterback in Jayden Daniels, Ekeler should be featured heavily in the passing game. It will be interesting to see how the goal-line work is split with Brian Robinson, but Ekeler has repeatedly shown a nose for the end zone. His days as an elite fantasy option might be passed, but it’s hard to think he can’t muster at least a top-25 finish this year.