The Washington Commanders continue to evaluate running back ahead of the 2023 NFL draft. In addition to showing interest in Tulane running back Tyjae Spears and hosting Ole Miss’ Zach Evans for a visit, Washington also met with Illinois running back Chase Brown.
Brown is the third Illinois player to visit with the Commanders recently, joining defensive backs Devon Witherspoon and Jartavius Martin.
Brown rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons in the rugged Big Ten conference. As a senior in 2022, Brown carried the football 328 times for 1,643 yards, an average of 5.0 yards per attempt. Brown scored 10 rushing touchdowns and also had three touchdown receptions. The 5-foot-9 1/2, 209-pound Brown is a native of Ontario.
Illinois @IlliniFootball running back Chase Brown (4.43, 40-inch vertical, 10-7 broad jump, 25 bench reps) visits the #Commanders, per a league source. Second-team All-American, All-Big Ten pick rushed for 1,643 yards, 10 touchdowns, caught 27 passes for 240 yards, three scores
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 10, 2023
In addition to his outstanding college production, Brown opened eyes at the 2023 NFL combine by running the 40-yard dash in 4.43 seconds.
Brown began his college career at Western Michigan before transferring after his freshman season to Illinois to play alongside his twin brother Sydney. Sydney Brown is a legitimate second-round prospect in the upcoming draft. Chase Brown could go as high as the third round, though the fourth round feels the most plausible.
