7 ideal targets Commanders fans should be begging for on Day 3 of 2025 NFL Draft

Adam Peters stood pat once again on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Washington Commanders are entertaining trade offers, but the general manager held firm over the first two days despite the limited resources at his disposal.

The Commanders took promising offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. in the first round at No. 29 overall after a nervous wait to see if he'd make it that far down the pecking order. This wasn't perceived as a great need after Washington traded for Laremy Tunsil, but Peters took what his assessments deemed as the best prospect available regardless.

The same trend continued in the second round. Peters got some calls to move back. They were rejected when Ole Miss cornerback Trey Amos — someone the Commanders were contemplating in the first round — somehow fell into their laps at No. 61 overall.

Attention now turns to Day 3. This is the time when less-heralded prospects take their place in the spotlight. Although they don't come with the hype of those who got drafted before them, it's a stage of the draft where rough diamonds can be unearthed and rosters get enhanced with the right selections.

The Commanders have three picks over the remaining four rounds. Here are some enticing prospects Washington could draft on Day 3.

Ideal targets Commanders could target on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft

Commanders could draft R.J. Mickens

• Safety | Clemson Tigers

The Commanders haven't done much to improve their options at the safety position this offseason. One could even argue that the unit was downgraded after Will Harris replaced Jeremy Chinn, who didn't get a new deal and left for the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency.

That's a risk Peters was willing to take. But with Tyler Owens, Jeremy Reaves, and Percy Butler backing up Harris and Quan Martin, acquiring another from the college ranks should be considered on Day 3.

Washington's margin for error is almost non-existent with so few picks. R.J. Mickens would be a worthy contender, but this would likely have to come with the No. 128 overall pick. The Commanders don't pick again until No. 205 as things stand, where he'll probably be gone.

Mickens boasts a high football IQ and outstanding leadership credentials. He became the undisputed leader of Clemson's secondary last season, communicating well on the backend and making sure the younger players knew exactly what was expected on and off the field.

The former Tiger excels in coverage, which is something the Commanders could use on their safety rotation.

Commanders could draft Jack Sawyer

• Edge Rusher | Ohio State Buckeyes

The Washington Commanders were widely expected to take an edge rusher over the first two days of the 2025 NFL Draft. Adam Peters' philosophy centers on talent and character over need. It's a strategy that's worked well so far, but it doesn't detract from the concerns around Joe Whitt Jr.'s pass-rushing options.

There could be some value available on Day 3. It's a deep group, but options are dwindling. A run on edge threats on Day 2 complicates matters further, but Peters will have some remaining on his shortlist worthy of consideration.

Jack Sawyer could be right at the top.

The Ohio State prospect brings a relentless work ethic and proven credentials to the table. Sawyer was one of Ohio State's top performers on their national championship-winning defense last time around, which is the sort of big game experience Washington might be seeking in pursuit of another deep postseason run.

Commanders could draft Jalen Royals

• Wide Receiver | Utah State Aggies

Finding another wide receiver hasn't been a glaring priority for the Commanders early in the draft. The Commanders have a nice unit as things stand, but another dynamic prospect capable of making a difference on the rotation wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.

Much will depend on how the draft board shakes out. Jalen Royals was anticipated to be a Day 2 pick by some analysts. Although the Utah State prospect fell through the cracks, that doesn't negate the positives attached to his potential NFL impact.

Royals creates separation effortlessly and is a threat to gain yards after the catch. His production with the Aggies, especially during a profitable 2023 campaign, is proof positive of that.

Although Royals played just seven games in 2024, his performance levels remained immensely high. He's not expected to wait long before hearing his name called in the fourth round, so the Commanders need to act quickly if he's a prospect of interest.

Commanders could draft Cam Skattebo

• Running Back | Arizona State Sun Devils

Washington resisted the temptation to draft another running back early in the draft. Adam Peters placed a significant amount of faith in the options available last season. It seems like he'll give them another shot despite the ground game's regression as the 2024 campaign wore on.

That's not set in stone. If Peters believes there is value to be had within a deep group of college running backs on Day 3, he won't hesitate to pull the trigger. Upon further examination of the best remaining options, Cam Skattebo is arguably at the top.

Skattebo became a cult hero at Arizona State thanks to his punishing running style and flair for the big moment. His phenomenal 2024 campaign saw the backfield force accumulate 1,711 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns, finishing fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting as a result of his sensational efforts.

He's not the most explosive from a speed standpoint. Skattebo is a throwback of sorts, but whoever drafts him on Day 3 could have a steal on their hands.

Commanders could draft Smael Mondon Jr.

• Linebacker | Georgia Bulldogs

The Washington Commanders could be looking for another high-upside linebacker to place along the options already available on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft. It's not a great need, especially if Jordan Magee makes the strides expected with a full offseason under his belt, but it's something Adam Peters will contemplate if the right opportunity presents itself.

Smael Mondon Jr. comes from a prestigious program, but he's gone relatively under the radar compared to other Georgia Bulldogs. However, one only has to look at how highly coaches and teammates speak about him to see what a good fit he'd be in Washington's locker room.

Mondon identifies plays developing quickly. He's got enough closing speed to reach the contact point with supreme efficiency, which is matched by physical tackling and an ability to remain disciplined in coverage.

This would make Mondon a core part of Washington's special teams while developing other areas of his game behind Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner.

Commanders could draft Bradyn Swinson

• Edge Rusher | LSU Tigers

The Commanders need another edge rusher capable of generating pressure when called upon. Their current options are serviceable and should improve the team's outlook against the run, but it's nowhere near enough to get over the hump.

What separates the Philadelphia Eagles from the rest is their willingness to keep building in areas of strength. Howie Roseman stockpiles players on the front seven, and the results speak for themselves. The Commanders would be wise to adopt a similar strategy if they want to keep pace with their fierce division rivals.

Bradyn Swinson could be the best remaining edge rushing prospect on Day 3. The LSU prospect has active hands, is improving technically, and has the first step needed to blow past opposing offensive linemen once he gets the upper hand.

Getting stronger against the run is essential if Swinson wants to carve out a successful NFL career for himself. But that should be relatively straightforward with the right nurturing throughout the summer.

Commanders could draft Elic Ayomanor

• Wide Receiver | Stanford Cardinal

It's surprising to see Elic Ayomanor still available on Day 3. The wide receiver's size, strength, and intelligence are always highly coveted traits in the pros. But there are always prospects who slip through the net when they were expected to be taken much higher.

Just ask Shedeur Sanders.

The Commanders could use a more physically imposing wideout to complement the options available. Ayomanor represents that, and his college output at Stanford to the tune of 1,844 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in two seasons represents a solid platform from which to build.

Ayomanor might not last too long on Day 3, so the Commanders need to act swiftly if he's high on their board. That's to be determined, but Adam Peters' ruthless conviction means nothing can be ruled out despite the limited assets at his disposal.

Washington is opting for quality over quantity this year. Ayomanor ticks that box at this stage of the process.

More Commanders news and analysis