4 winners (and 3 losers) from the Commanders' 2025 NFL Draft exploits

It was a quieter process for general manager Adam Peters during the 2025 NFL Draft. The Washington Commanders only had five picks at their disposal following some bombshell trade activity throughout the offseason. After the front-office leader resisted trade-down opportunities, the margin for error was razor-thin.

Peters came out of the draft with high prospects on his board. He felt opportunities were too good to turn down, especially with Washington's window for another long-awaited Super Bowl firmly open. It adds pressure on those picked to make an immediate impression. Still, the Commanders also have enough spare financial resources to sign a couple of veterans remaining on the market if the right opportunities come along.

The roster is in good shape. Some potential complications could emerge, but Peters knows how to pivot. He also knows how important this campaign is after Washington made the NFC Championship game in 2024.

As always, the draft came with positives for some and negatives for others. With this in mind, here are four winners and three losers from the Commanders' 2025 NFL Draft.

Winners and losers from the Commanders' 2025 NFL Draft

Winner No. 1

Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB

The Washington Commanders selected Trey Amos at No. 61 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Adam Peters considered taking the physical cornerback in the first round before going with offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. When he dropped into their laps at the end of the second, there was enough conviction around the Ole Miss prospect.

This adds another accomplished perimeter corner into the mix. Amos thrives in press coverage, can hold his own against the run, and boasts the aggressive approach Dan Quinn typically looks for in his defensive backs. The Commanders will be expecting an immediate return on their investment, which could be great news for Mike Sainristil if everything goes well.

Sainristil performed exceptionally well during his rookie campaign. He was switched to the outside after others began to struggle. It's a task he managed successfully despite his lack of legitimate NFL size.

That was a positive, but Sainristil thrives in the nickel. This is where he took college football by storm at Michigan en route to being the No. 50 overall pick last year. Drafting Amos provides more flexibility, and should mean more duties in the slot for the second-year pro.

If Amos struggles to adjust, defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. has enough options to adjust accordingly. That wasn't the case last season, so it can only help.

Loser No. 1

Andrew Wylie - Commanders OT

The Washington Commanders weren't expected to take an offensive tackle with their first-round pick. But when Oregon prospect Josh Conerly Jr. was available at No. 29 overall, general manager Adam Peters didn't hesitate to pull the trigger.

Conerly is an exceptional pass protector with NFL-ready footwork. Adding some play strength will be beneficial over the summer, but that should be pretty straightforward once Washington's accomplished staff devise a comprehensive plan for his development.

Peters takes the best prospects available without much consideration for roster needs. The Commanders put themselves in a strong position over the offseason to implement this strategy once again, and Conerly could form a bookend tandem with five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil if everything goes according to plan.

This will have a ripple effect. Andrew Wylie could be the player most impacted, especially if Brandon Coleman switches well to the interior as most anticipate.

Wylie is entering the final year of his deal and restructured his contract to stick around in 2025. He didn't give up a sack at right tackle last season, but remains susceptible on an island. It'll be interesting to see what the Commanders have planned for the offensive line, but all signs point to this being the two-time Super Bowl winner's last season with the franchise.

Winner No. 2

Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB

The Commanders had one big priority above all else this offseason. Adam Peters wanted to ensure quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels has everything needed to excel further entering Year 2 of his professional career.

Daniels proved his worth as a franchise-caliber presence under center last season. His poise, work ethic, and composure under pressure were a breath of fresh air. The Commanders had a lot of positives, but none were more important than Peters' decision to take the Heisman Trophy winner at No. 2 overall in 2024.

This strategy continued during the draft. The Commanders drafted another accomplished edge protector (Josh Conerly Jr.), another dynamic weapon (Jaylin Lane), and an intriguing running back who could impact the rotation immediately (Jacory Croskey-Merritt).

There are very few (if any) weak links in Washington's offense after a memorable offseason. They have some outstanding playmakers and decent depth pieces across the board. It'll be more difficult next season, but the Commanders have given Daniels a fighting chance of reaching even greater heights when competitive action resumes.

Daniels is ready to prove that his rookie heroics weren't just a flash in the pan. The former LSU standout is striving for greatness, and the Commanders have placed a significant amount of faith in their new prized possession this offseason.

Loser No. 2

Dorance Armstrong Jr. - Commanders DE

The Washington Commanders neglected one critical area during the 2025 NFL Draft. Finding an explosive edge rusher was arguably the No. 1 priority above all else heading into the process. That wasn't an opinion shared by general manager Adam Peters, who didn't acquire any pass-rushing assistance for Joe Whitt Jr.'s defense.

This was a contentious issue among fans. It impacted the team's post-draft grades with most analysts. Peters felt the prospects available were worth taking, but it doesn't do anything to appease fans' concerns about generating pressure with more consistency in 2025.

It also piles more pressure on Dorance Armstrong Jr. to make significant improvements. Last year's free-agent signing flashed over the second half of 2024, especially from a pass-rushing standpoint. What he needs is a productive partner to do the same.

Armstrong was probably hoping for exactly that from the draft. It didn't materialize, so the Commanders will be hoping a combination of Deatrich Wise Jr., Jacob Martin, Clelin Ferrell, and Javontae Jean-Baptiste can fill the void.

That remains to be seen. The Commanders have the money to sign one of the remaining free agents still sitting on the market. Peters might be happy with what he has, which means Armstrong needs to become a legitimate No. 1 option unless further reinforcements arrive.

Winner No. 3

Tyler Owens - Commanders S

After letting Jeremy Chinn walk in free agency for the Las Vegas Raiders, the Commanders had to pivot with their plans at the safety position. Will Harris was brought into the fold when the legal tampering window commenced, but most expected general manager Adam Peters to add another talented prospect from the college ranks to solidify depth.

The Commanders opted not to use any of their draft picks on backend help. Washington signed a couple of undrafted free agents who could emerge as nice surprises in the secondary, but this involves starting from the bottom and working their way into the team's plans.

One cannot look at this approach as anything other than positive for Tyler Owens. Last year's undrafted free agent soared onto the 53-man roster after a starring performance over the summer. Injuries derailed his progress, and the Commanders utilized him more on special teams than in the defensive rotation as a rookie.

This was the first step in his development. There is an opportunity for Owens to become a core rotational piece behind Harris and Quan Martin next season. He's got the size and explosiveness to make things happen, so his progress will be something to watch over the summer.

Owens has a shot. Taking advantage of it is crucial.

Loser No. 3

Jonathan Jones - Commanders CB

Trey Amos is a strong, physical cornerback who looks tailor-made for Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s defensive scheme. The Washington Commanders needed more in their secondary, which became more glaring after Adam Peters failed to address the edge-rushing options during the draft.

This won't be good news for everybody. If Amos transitions well and Mike Sainristil goes into the nickel, two-time Super Bowl winner Jonathan Jones has an uncertain role from the outside looking in.

Jones was acquired on a one-year deal this offseason. Most expected the veteran to be deployed in the slot, although he's got the physical scope to play outside despite his advancing years. If the Commanders get a smooth transition from Amos, the free-agent signing could be a versatile No. 4 option when push comes to shove.

It's not a bad problem for the Commanders to have, especially considering they also have Noah Igbinoghene to call upon. The cornerback unit became an ongoing frustration throughout Ron Rivera's tenure. Things look much more promising now, but managing the dynamic effectively is crucial from Whitt's perspective.

There's no doubt Jones will get his fair share of reps. But if Amos, Sainristil, and four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore firmly cement themselves as the starting trio, it could see the Auburn graduate go to the fringes.

Winner No. 4

Noah Brown - Commanders WR

The Commanders were widely expected to draft another wide receiver. Adam Peters accomplished this feat later in the process, ignoring some of the blue-chip pass-catchers higher up the food chain to find what he believed was good value in Jaylin Lane.

Lane has some useful traits to call upon. He's a smooth route runner over short-to-intermediate routes with the elusiveness to be a significant threat after the catch. The Virginia Tech product isn't a physically imposing option, which indicates a level of confidence in Noah Brown to become more influential in 2025.

Brown arrived late in the 2024 offseason. After getting some time to adjust, he became a decent threat downfield with the ability to generate defensive pass interference penalties with a wide wingspan and physicality at the catch point.

A serious internal injury that required kidney surgery ended his campaign ahead of time, but the Commanders gave him a one-year deal this spring to see if he could benefit from a full summer program with the squad. The fact that Washington avoided the temptation to draft someone with similar athletic traits spoke volumes.

This was the confidence boost Brown needed. If he benefits from scheme familiarity and continues his encouraging chemistry with Jayden Daniels, the former Ohio State standout will be heavily involved next time around.

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