Adam Peters adopted an aggressive mindset early in the offseason. The Washington Commanders shot for the stars with two bold trades and finding free agents capable of providing short-term assistance. This puts them in a stronger position, but there is one more important event to navigate before attention turns to preparations for the 2025 campaign.
The Commanders don't have many assets heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. Trading for wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., left tackle Laremy Tunsil, and cornerback Marshon Lattimore cost significant draft capital given their previous production and standing around the league. Peters has five selections as things stand, so he'd probably like to increase that number at some stage.
Whether that involves trading players or moving back in the draft remains to be seen. Peters knows what he's doing and is working towards specific goals. After one season under head coach Dan Quinn, the Commanders are probably further ahead than most anticipated, but the team's overall targets remain the same.
Washington is looking to become a perennial contender and an NFL superpower once again. Getting to the NFC Championship game was an unbelievable accomplishment in the circumstances. Ensuring this becomes something sustainable is a much more challenging task.
Another good draft will go a long way to ensuring the Commanders' platform progresses further. Using the Pro Football Network simulator, we took a look at how Peters might approach his first-round choices in this seven-round mock draft.
We'll begin with a trade-out of the first round.
The Washington Commanders believe they can win now. Adam Peters reacted accordingly this offseason, making the moves needed to improve the supporting cast around quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels.
Washington has to maximize Daniels' rookie contract. He's got two more years remaining before the Heisman Trophy winner becomes extension-eligible. If his meteoric rise to superstardom continues, his next contract has the potential to break barriers.
Trading for left tackle Laremy Tunsil could be a game-changer. He gave up a ton of penalties last season but remains one of the league's most accomplished blindside protectors. It costs substantial resources to find elite-level players. But to get the very best, you have to pay.
In this scenario, Peters gets back a couple of picks by striking a trade down with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Commanders got pick No. 36, No. 88, and a second-rounder in 2026. That's arguably the most significant piece of this puzzle as Washington is giving up its second-rounder to the Houston Texans as part of the Tunsil transaction.
Adam Peters held firm at the running back position in free agency. That was a supreme vote of confidence in those who contributed to the cause last season, but there's a growing belief this could change early in the 2025 NFL Draft.
It's time to plan for the future. Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler are in the final year of their respective deals with points to prove. Jeremy McNichols was re-signed and Chris Rodriguez Jr. got an exclusive right tender, but that doesn't come with any guarantees.
If Peters can find a legitimate game-changer capable of becoming a long-term backfield threat alongside quarterback Jayden Daniels, he'd be wise to capitalize on the opportunities that present themselves. Especially considering the ground game's regression over the second half of 2024 and into the postseason.
Omarion Hampton represents that and more. The North Carolina standout is a phenomenal weapon capable of shouldering a lefty burden. His college production over the last two seasons was nothing short of exceptional, and the player's contact balance is extraordinary.
Hampton is a forceful weapon capable of turning the smallest creases into big gains. He can work between the tackles or thrive on outside runs. He flashes capabilities in the passing game, so there's a lot to like about his chances of making an immediate contribution wherever the prospect ends up in the pros.
The Commanders look more solid at the cornerback position these days. That shouldn't prevent Adam Peters from finding a capable performer who can become another important piece of the defensive rotation.
Washington has Marshon Lattimore and Mike Sainristil as its high-profile tandem. Noah Igbinoghene got rewarded for his superb efforts in the slot last season with another one-year extension. The Commanders also signed two-time Super Bowl winner Jonathan Jones, who'll provide more proven on-field production and outstanding leadership in the locker room.
Azareye'h Thomas has the physical profile that Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. look for in their cornerbacks. He can gain leverage effectively and is a fluid mover capable of mirroring routes with relative comfort.
While Thomas lacks elite-level speed, he's a savvy player considering his lack of starting experience in college. Some technical refinement is needed, but the Commanders could get him up to speed quickly under their current coaching staff.
Looking at the starting quartet right now, there wouldn't be a great deal of pressure for Thomas to make an immediate contribution. At the same time, the defensive back could only be scratching the surface of what he's truly capable of.
The Commanders have shown an interest in Thomas during their pre-draft assessments. It's not hard to see why.
Anyone who's a regular visitor to my mock drafts knows how high I am on Kyle Kennard. If the standout edge rusher was still around at this stage of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Washington Commanders could seriously consider the possibility.
The Commanders lack explosiveness in their pass-rushing room. Dorance Armstrong Jr. looks set to start again, but the likes of Jacob Martin, Deatrich Jr., and Clelin Ferrell come with questions attached. It's also worth remembering that Dante Fowler Jr., who gained 10.5 sacks last season in Washington, left in free agency for the Dallas Cowboys.
Another potentially productive performer is essential. Peters could pick from the veteran pool for short-term assistance. He should also closely examine a deep group of edge rushers emerging from the college ranks this spring.
Kennard ticks those boxes and could be a ready-made replacement for Fowler with a smooth transition. He's got the size and speed to be moved around by Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. in pursuit of exploiting mismatches. His length and bend create leverage consistently. There's also enough closing speed in pursuit to turn opportunities into big plays.
If Kennard can improve the power aspect of his game and add further polish against the run, someone is going to have an outstanding performer on their hands.
The Commanders have a slight need to bolster their linebacking depth. There's also the need to secure a development project that could potentially replace perennial All-Pro enforcer Bobby Wagner when the time comes.
Wagner was among Washington's most important signings last offseason. His on-field production was exemplary once again en route to Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors, especially against the run. The former second-round pick also spearheaded a remarkable culture shift within the locker room that became the driving force behind the Commanders' renaissance.
He deservedly got another one-year deal. Wagner will be 35 years old next season, so there's just no telling how long he has left. Frankie Luvu is another pivotal piece of the puzzle, and there is hope Jordan Magee can develop in Year 2 with better luck on the health front.
The Commanders could target another presence for their defensive second level. Demetrius Knight Jr. comes with enough promise to be taken here, but there's a good chance he'll also go much higher when push comes to shove.
Knight is another versatile piece capable of being moved around. He's a little older than most prospects coming out as a six-year college player, but the growth displayed over the last two seasons at Charlotte and South Carolina warrants closer examination.
The Washington Commanders made one monumental splash on their offensive line this offseason. Adam Peters capitalized on a significant opportunity by securing left tackle Laremy Tunsil via trade from the Houston Texans. This is the most productive blindside enforcer the team's had since trading Trent Williams, and nobody should be happier than Jayden Daniels.
This will involve some reshuffling on the right-hand side. The Commanders could also bolster depth with a versatile development piece further down the draft order despite re-signing veterans such as Trent Scott and Michael Deiter.
Joshua Gray represents solid value at this juncture. The Oregon State graduate has plenty of starting experience in college at left tackle and left guard. He plays with a low pad level and is technically sound. There's also a lot to like about his physicality and willingness to go above and beyond to finish plays with ruthless aggression.
The Commanders wouldn't need much from Gray immediately. They could bring him along gradually and get potential problem areas like hand placement and footwork up to speed. After that, the prospect could end up being a starter on the interior if he takes on coaching effectively.
At the very worst, he'd be an upgrade on the likes of Scott and Deiter on the rotation.
Although the Commanders traded for Deebo Samuel Sr. and brought back Noah Brown and K.J. Osborn, they could add another wide receiver to further bolster the supporting cast around Jayden Daniels.
Terry McLaurin is still around and should be extended at some stage during the offseason. The Commanders are also hoping Luke McCaffrey can become more impactful in Year 2 of his professional career while also raising his influence in the return game after flashing down the stretch.
Samuel should help, and Brown flashed enough last season to suggest he can play a part. That won't stop Peters from taking a flier on someone later in the draft if he sees fit.
Seventh-round selections rarely work out. The Commanders can use their final pick on a luxury like Isaiah Neyor, whose athletic attributes are off the charts and could be a nice complement to what Washington already has in its receiver unit.
Neyor has the size and speed to be productive. He looked like a potential superstar after the 2022 campaign at Wyoming, but a torn ACL after transferring to Texas dented his progress considerably.
After a solid enough year at Nebraska last season, Neyor could be a valuable dart throw late on Day 3 at 6-foot-4, 218 pounds with over 34-inch arms.
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