Commanders 7-round 2025 NFL mock draft: Building on stable foundations

The Washington Commanders lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in the playoff race. Although disappointing, reaching the NFC Championship game in Year 1 under head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters represents a sensational accomplishment.

Washington is a football hotbed once again. The team is gaining national headlines for all the right reasons, and the future is incredibly bright. Peters also has the resources needed to build in the coming months before the 2025 campaign arrives.

Big changes are coming. The Commanders got much more than they bargained for with this group — a testament to the mentality and locker room culture installed by Quinn. But the price of progress means Peters shouldn't settle.

There is a need to improve almost every position group. They must maximize quarterback Jayden Daniels' rookie contract before he becomes extension-eligible. Some have done their chances of an extended stay a tremendous amount of good. Unfortunately for others, they won't come along for the ride.

Peters has $90.95 million to spend in free agency, which could increase once extensions, restructures, and early releases become public knowledge. The respected front-office leader also has seven draft selections to find immediate difference-makers and improve depth.

Commanders GM Adam Peters must utilize his 2025 NFL Draft selections effectively

Washington's season might be over, but Peters's hard work is just getting started. He'll be at the Senior Bowl this week as the pre-draft assessment process gathers pace. This will be followed by the NFL Scouting Combine, pro days, and countless interviews with potential prospects of interest before the high-profile selection event.

The Commanders got some outstanding returns from Peters' first draft class. They found a franchise quarterback. They got two defensive starters and an offensive lineman who could have a profitable career. While Ben Sinnott, Jordan Magee, and Luke McCaffrey remain unknown quantities, they have the upside to develop with another offseason under their belts.

It'll be interesting to see how Peters goes about his business this offseason. Needs will change depending on free agency. One couldn't rule out a daring move in the trade market if the right opportunity comes along. Fans are eagerly anticipating developments and are confident this enhanced regime can build on the best possible start.

Using the Pro Football Network simulator, we took a look at how the Commanders might approach their 2025 NFL Draft picks in our first offseason seven-round mock of this year's cycle.

Commanders draft Cameron Williams

• Offensive Tackle | Texas Longhorns
• Round No. 1 | Pick No. 29

One glaring problem against the Philadelphia Eagles centered on the trenches. The Washington Commanders were second-best on both sides of the football. Not having Sam Cosmi and Daron Payne was a body blow sorely felt and those tasked with filling the void couldn't meet expectations.

This is a tricky spot for the Commanders. It's way lower than fans are typically used to picking in the first round, which is a testament to their success. It also makes the pick somewhat expendable in a trade if a veteran option becomes available.

If Peters decides to stand part and use the selection, focusing on the offensive line is something to consider. Brandon Coleman went through some growing pains at left tackle and could potentially switch to the interior over time. Andrew Wylie was inconsistent and might be a salary-cap casualty when push comes to shove.

Finding a long-term bookend option wouldn't be the worst idea in the world. It's not the best class for top-end talent, but Cameron Williams' athleticism and NFL-caliber size warrant further investigation.

Williams has the mass and length typically associated with NFL offensive tackles. He's a fluid mover with natural agility capable of mirroring pass-rushers effectively. The Texas prospect is a little raw with one year of starting experience, but the ceiling is incredibly high.

Commanders draft Matthew Golden

• Wide Receiver | Texas Longhorns
• Round No. 2 | Pick No. 61

As mentioned previously, the Commanders need to maximize Jayden Daniels' rookie contract. The quarterback is a legitimate superstar, so surrounding him with a more productive supporting cast is crucial.

This bears more significance in the wide receiver room. Terry McLaurin is an elite wideout who could get a new contract extension ahead of time this offseason. Everything is up in the air aside from that.

Olamide Zaccheaus, Dyami Brown, and Noah Brown are all out of contract. Luke McCaffrey is a work in progress — how much he'll be able to feature next season is dependent on his development.

The Commanders must find long-term options capable of giving Daniels a helping hand. Peters could address this during the draft, with Matthew Golden's early declaration causing a stir among NFL scouts and front-office personnel.

Golden came of age at Texas this season, bringing in 58 receptions for 987 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. He's got reliable hands, explosive breakaway speed, and is a route technician capable of manipulating opposing cornerbacks effectively at the top of his stems.

The prospect is also a dangerous threat to generate yards after the catch. This is exactly the sort of weapon the Commanders need to place opposite McLaurin.

Commanders draft Deone Walker

• Defensive Line | Kentucky Wildcats
• Round No. 3 | Pick No. 79

This is a deep 2025 NFL Draft class for defensive linemen. That won't go unnoticed by general manager Adam Peters, who needs more for the Washington Commanders in this critical area of the field.

It's an underrated need for the Commanders. Rookie second-rounder Johnny Newton demonstrated enough promise to encourage. Daron Payne's contract is difficult to get off. Jonathan Allen could be a cap casualty or expendable trade piece looking at the financial implications attached.

Either way, the Commanders need more. It would be a surprise if he made it this far down the pecking order, but Deone Walker represents a high-value selection here.

Walker is a huge presence on the defensive line. He measured 6-foot-7 and 340 pounds with a 34.5-inch arm length at the 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl. That is a prototypical size that's only going to help his stock.

His athleticism is not elite, but Walker is relentless. His physical attributes enable him to overthrow offensive linemen. He's also got some impressive speed in pursuit for a man his size.

There are concerns regarding Walker's height impacting his pad level. Some technical flaws also need to be alleviated before confidence increases. However, the Kentucky prospect's attitude and forceful effort make him an intriguing addition to the Commanders' defensive line in this scenario.

Commanders draft Dylan Sampson

• Running Back | Tennessee Volunteers
• Round No. 5 | Pick No. 148

This became an increasing need as the campaign wore on. Adam Peters shouldn't settle at any position group, least of all with the options alongside quarterback Jayden Daniels in the backfield.

Brian Robinson Jr. is serviceable. However, his notable regression over the second half of 2024 cannot be dismissed. Austin Ekeler's a solid professional, but his costly fumble in the NFC Championship game saw speculation about his future arrive soon after.

The Commanders need another dynamic weapon capable of shouldering the load. Dylan Sampson is exactly that following a sensational campaign with the Tenessee Volunteers in 2024.

Sampson carried a heavy burden this season, accumulating 258 carries en route to 1,491 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. He also helped himself to 20 receptions for 143 receiving yards.

This was enough for Sampson to win SEC Offensive Player of the Year, something he richly deserved. He could go much higher than this once teams examine his credentials in greater detail, but the Commanders would benefit greatly from his presence in this scenario.

It would be a surprise if Robinson wasn't around in the final year of his deal. If the Commanders decide to cut Ekeler ahead of time, which could go either way, someone with Sampson's capabilities can fill the void.

Commanders draft Tyler Batty

• Edge Rusher | BYU Cougars
• Round No. 6 | Pick No. 197

The Washington Commanders could address their edge-rushing needs much sooner than this. Much will depend on what happens in free agency or the trade market. Adam Peters has enough spare cash and expendable assets to make a bold move, so it's a wait-and-see situation for all involved.

Dorance Armstrong Jr. should get another season after signing a three-year contract. Clelin Ferrell is a free agent and probably won't be back. Dante Fowler Jr. is in a similar situation, but his 10.5 sacks during the regular season could see another short-term commitment come his way.

Regardless of whether Fowler returns or not, the Commanders need another high-upside development piece to bolster depth. Tyler Batty is a decent option at this stage of the draft, boasting the college experience and exceptional run-stopping Washington desperately needs on the edge.

That's Batty's biggest strength. He's an outstanding run defender, holding his spot impressively. The prospect recognizes plays developing through his high football IQ. The BYU standout also has enough closing speed to reach the contact point, which should help immediately.

Batty needs development as a pass-rusher with his limited repertoire. Even so, his accomplished run defense represents a need for the Commanders and a solid foundation from which to build.

Commanders draft Xavier Truss

• Offensive Line | Georgia Bulldogs
• Round No. 7 | Pick No. 238

No team can ever settle on their offensive line. The Commanders lack the depth needed to hang with the NFL's heavyweights. One couldn't dismiss the prospect of Adam Peters attacking this need with more urgency at some stage given the serious injury to Sam Cosmi.

Washington got the worst possible news where Cosmi was concerned. The stud right guard tore his ACL in their stunning triumph at the Detroit Lions. This could see him miss most, if not all, of the 2025 campaign depending on his recovery timeline.

Shifting Brandon Coleman inside is possible. The Commanders could also address this need via free agency. That shouldn't stop them from adding an intriguing development project with one of their later draft selections.

Xavier Truss fits that mold. He's a bruising interior presence capable of carving open running lanes. At 6-foot-7 and 310 points, he's a formidable force to move off the block. The Georgia prospect needs some technical refinement, but there is a lot to work with.

Commanders draft Jamon Dumas-Johnson

• Linebacker | Kentucky Wildcats
• Round No. 7 | Pick No. 249

We're working on the premise that the Commanders will attack their secondary in free agency. They might even decide to keep faith with the five starters this season in the hope that continuity across the unit could see them develop further under the expert guidance of defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.

The Commanders might add another linebacker into the mix at some stage during the draft. Bobby Wagner is a free agent but did more than enough for another deal. Frankie Luvu is a cornerstone piece, but there are questions about the others.

If Jamon Dumas-Johnson is still around this late on Day 3, it could be an absolute steal. He's a little undersized, but the Kentucky prospect's instincts and dynamic movement in short areas are a good scheme fit within Dan Quinn and Whitt's system.

Dumas-Johnson can shed blockers effectively despite his lack of size. He is never found wanting for effort and has sufficient gap discipline. That makes him an intriguing rotational piece and key special teams contributor with a smooth transition.

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