The Washington Commanders could use a young, dynamic running back in 2025. Holding the 29th overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, Washington could draft one of the top running back prospects from a loaded class. Or, the Commanders could wait and land a starting-caliber player outside the first round—someone like Tahj Brooks of Texas Tech.
Brooks is a 5-foot-9, 214-pound native of Manor, Texas, and left Texas Tech as the school’s all-time leading rusher. We aren’t sure if you’ve seen Texas Tech’s running backs, but it’s a good list featuring Byron Hanspard, Bam Morris, James Gray, and many other successful runners. No one ran for more yards in Red Raiders history than Brooks.
Brooks finished his college career with 4,560 rushing yards, 45 rushing touchdowns, and an average of over five rushing yards per attempt. And he would love to play for the Commanders.
In an interview with Kay Adams on “Up & Adams,” she said she’d like to see Brooks with Washington as his first NFL team.
“The Commanders, it’s crazy….old teammate I played ball with in college, Tyler Owens, safety, yeah, I played ball with him,” Brooks said smiling. “I will be,” Brooks said when Adams told him he’d be a lot of fun in Washington’s offense.
“I feel like it’s a great offense, especially after watching them this past…in the playoffs, and just very explosive. Then, just the Texas Tech tree, (offensive coordinator) Kliff Kingsbury, (running backs coach/run game coordinator) Anthony Lynn, those guys, I haven’t met them in person, but I know they are great guys and great coaches as well.”
Kingsbury was a record-breaking quarterback at Texas Tech and later became the head coach at his alma mater. Before Lynn began his NFL coaching journey, he was a standout running back for the Red Raiders. Before their current roles in Washington, both are also former NFL head coaches. This is one to watch for a coaching staff that loves familiarity and connections.
You can bet Kingsbury and Lynn know all about Brooks. So, when you have someone clamoring for a back early, remember there will be good runners throughout the draft, and Brooks is one of them.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Running back prospect has several connections to Commanders