After months of rumors, hearsay, and speculation, the 2025 NFL Draft is almost upon us. It's been a quieter process for the Washington Commanders this time, but Adam Peters has an important few days in pursuit of strengthening his team's chances of another bold playoff bid.
This time last year, momentum was building around LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels becoming the Commanders' pick at No. 2 overall. These reports proved accurate, and it turned out to be a franchise-altering selection that shifted the landscape immediately.
The Commanders achieved more than anyone dreamed in Year 1 under the new regime. Dan Quinn's culture shift, Peters' exceptional roster regeneration, and Daniels' meteoric rise to superstardom saw Washington go from a bottom-feeder to the NFC Championship game. The moves made throughout this offseason reflect the team's Super Bowl window being firmly open.
Washington only has five picks after some frantic trade activity in recent months. Peters would like to have more, but he's also keeping everything on the table. That's the best way to approach matters, and fans have complete faith in the front-office leader after a mesmerizing start to his tenure.
Using the Pro Football Network simulator, we projected how things could unfold for the Commanders in our final seven-round mock draft of the 2025 cycle.
As previously mentioned, the Washington Commanders would like to get their assets up at some stage. Trading out of the No. 29 overall pick represents the best opportunity to extract maximum value. In this scenario, Adam Peters struck a deal with his old employers.
Washington has a decent cornerback quartet going into the draft. Marshon Lattimore and Mike Sainristil are the top dogs. Noah Igbinoghene deservedly got a one-year deal after flashing from the nickel spot in 2024. The Commanders also signed two-time Super Bowl winner Jonathan Jones, who'll provide veteran leadership and accomplished production next season.
The Commanders could use a young, explosive perimeter cornerback. This would allow Sainristil to spend more time in the slot, where some believe he'd be more effective. Looking at the talent drop-off after the second round, striking early is something Peters will consider depending on who's available.
A chance is taken on Shavon Revel. He's a first-round talent who would go a lot higher than this if not for some injury red flags. The East Carolina standout is coming off a torn ACL, so the Commanders must be satisfied with his medical assessments before making this move.
From an athletic standpoint, Revel has a lot going for him. He's fluid in coverage, anticipates routes extremely well, and is strong enough to jam receivers up at the line of scrimmage. The competition wasn't stellar in college, but he represents solid value if the health checks are satisfactory.
It's no secret that the Washington Commanders need another explosive edge rusher capable of generating pressure consistently. The options available currently are serviceable, but head coach Dan Quinn needs an extra injection of energy to add something different.
This won't go unnoticed by general manager Adam Peters as part of his comprehensive assessments. The Commanders improved against the run with some useful veteran additions in free agency, but that won't be enough.
Princely Umanmielen ticks the boxes of what the Commanders are missing. He's got the talent and physical profile to make a smooth transition to the pros. He's also got the college production that backs up his claims of being among the best pass-rushers in this year's class.
His combination of speed, power, and length makes him a nightmare to counteract once early momentum is generated. Umanmielen has enough agility to bend around the edge with the initial quickness that catches opposing offensive tackles off guard.
Improving his play strength to be more impactful against the run will help his cause. The Ole Miss prospect has the scope for growth, and his outstanding leadership and strong football IQ make him a great locker-room fit in this scenario.
The Commanders could do a lot worse than examine Umanmielen's credentials if he's available at this juncture.
Another trade down, this time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for an extra pick this year and next. It's a smart strategy, especially considering how much the Commanders gave up to acquire Marshon Lattimore, Deebo Samuel Sr., and Laremy Tunsil.
The Commanders' offensive line got a substantial boost with Tunsil. He's one of the league's premier pass protectors with plenty of good football left. Getting his penalties down is the big objective, but the five-time Pro Bowler represents a significant upgrade on anything Washington's had on the blindside since Trent Williams.
That said, the Commanders could spend one of their early selections on a long-term right tackle. Brandon Coleman will get a shot at the job, but he might be best suited to the interior when it's all said and done. Andrew Wylie is in the final year of his deal, so contingency plans must be made. As we all know, Peters is always thinking two steps ahead.
Anyone who's read my mock drafts throughout the cycle knows how high I am on Cameron Williams. The Texas prospect has everything one looks for in a starting-caliber edge protector in the pros. He's a work in progress, but his ceiling is through the roof if he puts everything together.
Getting the chance to learn from Washington's accomplished coaching staff and someone with Tunsil's credentials could see improvements arrive quickly.
The Washington Commanders need more at the running back position. Adam Peters gave those who contributed last season another chance to prove themselves, but overlooking a deep group of prospects emerging from the college ranks in 2025 would be foolish.
Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler started well last season before injuries and poor performance levels resulted in regression. They are also entering the final year of their respective deals with no guarantees about their status beyond the upcoming campaign.
Jeremy McNichols is a serviceable veteran, but nothing more. Chris Rodriguez Jr. got an exclusive rights tender this offseason, which indicates the Commanders see something in the former sixth-round pick that can be molded into a productive performer in the rotation.
If the Commanders can secure another option via the draft, the better their chances will improve. D.J. Giddens has a lot of likable traits that warrant consideration at the end of Day 2.
Giddens has a nice blend of patience and explosiveness. He's got the vision to spot gaps and burst through them with aggressive purpose. The Kansas State prospect is also a significant threat as a pass-catcher out of the backfield to further enhance his influence.
Putting on some extra muscle mass and improving as a pass blocker are the immediate objectives upon joining the pros. But there remains plenty of untapped potential where Giddens is concerned.
Adam Peters made a concerted effort to surround quarterback Jayden Daniels with everything needed to thrive moving forward this offseason. The Commanders know they have a superstar on their hands. They also know how important it is to maximize his rookie contract before things get much more expensive to keep him around.
Washington traded for wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. They re-signed Noah Brown and K.J. Osborn. Luke McCaffrey is expected to become more influential with another offseason to develop. The Commanders are also giving Michael Gallup a chance to shine after the wideout unretired following one year away from the gridiron.
That won't stop the Commanders from drafting another wide receiver if the situation presents itself. If Peters opts to wait until a little later in the process, someone like Tai Felton makes sense.
Felton is an electric downfield threat with the ability to create separation quickly. He improved in each of his four seasons at Maryland, with his 2024 breakout putting him firmly on the draft radar.
Speed is Felton's biggest asset. There is some work ahead to limit drops and improve his play strength, but the player's strong work ethic and high character make him an enticing project who could become a nice surprise as a rookie.
Letting Jeremy Chinn walk in free agency was a contentious issue among the fan base. The Washington Commanders got some outstanding production from the dynamic safety during his one year with the franchise. Even so, general manager Adam Peters didn't believe he was worthy of the financial commitment offered by the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Commanders thought they could get similar output for cheaper with Will Harris. That's a calculated risk, but the defensive back is athletic enough to make an impression alongside Quan Martin. He's also well known to assistant general manager Lance Newmark from their time together on the Detroit Lions.
With Tyler Owens, Percy Butler, and Jeremy Reaves backing up the projected starting duo currently, the Commanders might be looking for another rotational safety who can impact special teams. They could address this need a lot sooner, especially if someone like Malaki Starks or Nick Emmanwori falls into their lap at No. 29. If not, Hunter Wohler can be a nice complementary piece with long-term upside on Day 3.
Wohler has the physical profile that Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. typically look for in their defensive backs. The Wisconsin prospect is a strong presence against the run who flashes tremendous tackling promise on tape. Coaxing more quick-twitch fluidity from his movements, especially in coverage, will help his upcoming adjustment.
The Commanders wanted to strengthen their trenches on defense this offseason. This need was enhanced considerably when Jonathan Allen got released after no willing trade suitor came forward.
Javon Kinlaw was the Commanders' biggest splash in free agency by a considerable margin. Most deemed the three-year, $45 million contract with $30 million guaranteed as an overpay, but Adam Peters believes his physical dominance can make a huge impact on the defensive interior.
Several linemen from last season were re-signed. Daron Payne is still around, and Johnny Newton is being tipped for big things in Year 2. All signs are pointing up, but the Commanders could spend a Day 3 pick on another.
Adin Huntington has met with the Commanders several times throughout the pre-draft process. He's an impressive athlete who coped well with the step-up in class last season at Tulane. His flashes as a physical, explosive pass-rusher make him well worth the risk here.
Huntington can drift in and out from a production standpoint. Finding the consistency to match his obvious talent might be enough to see him become a solid rotational figure over time, which is all any team looks for from seventh-round picks.
Peters could go any number of ways when the draft rolls around. It'll be an enthralling few days for fans with optimism higher than it's been in decades.
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