Commanders 7-round 2025 NFL mock draft: Opportunity knocks edition

Securing a postseason berth and making some noise in the knockout rounds are the short-term objectives for the Washington Commanders. General manager Adam Peters and his staff will be thinking further afield with the offseason looming.

The Commanders are ahead of schedule whether they make the playoffs or not. Most anticipated a transitional year under the new regime. Head coach Dan Quinn's culture shift has galvanized this previously downtrodden organization to heights not witnessed for years.

This is just the start, which is the most exciting thing of all for fans. Peters is loaded with salary-cap space to sign free agents. Reports also suggest Washington will become a coveted destination once again without Dan Snyder's dark cloud hanging over the franchise.

Peters also has seven draft selections at his disposal. This is his preferred method of roster building. It's cheaper with longer-term upside — something that allows each prospect to grow alongside rookie sensation Jayden Daniels.

Using the Pro Football Network simulator, we took a look at how the Commanders could use their picks in this seven-round mock draft.

Commanders 7-round 2025 NFL mock draft entering Week 16

Commanders draft Luther Burden III

• Wide Receiver | Missouri Tigers
• Round No. 1 | No. 22 overall

If the Washington Commanders want to maximize Jayden Daniels' rookie contract, they must surround the signal-caller with more productive weapons in the passing game. Terry McLaurin cannot do it alone and stopgaps are not enough.

Luther Burden III represents tremendous value if he makes it this far down the pecking order. The wide receiver was projected as a top-10 selection before a down year by his typically high standards at Missouri. However, his explosive traits should transition well from college to the pros.

Burden is a smooth route runner with dynamic yards-after-the-catch tendencies. Once the wideout improves his technique and learns how to get open in press coverage situations more effectively, someone is going to have a real player on their hands.

Pairing Burden with McLaurin gives the Commanders a potentially potent wide-receiver duo for Daniels to call upon.

Commanders draft Donovan Ezeiruaku

• Edge Rusher | Boston College Eagles
• Round No. 2 | Pick No. 56

The Washington Commanders need an edge-rushing presence capable of generating pressure. This has been in short supply — especially along the defensive front. Fixing this through a deep class of linemen and pass-rushers should be among general manager Adam Peters' biggest priorities.

He's a little undersized in NFL terms, but Donovan Ezeiruaku is riding on the crest of a wave. The Boston College prospect is instinctive and explosive in equal measure. His draft stock soared this season, gaining 16.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss en route to winning the ACC Defensive Player of the Year.

Ezeiruaku is a dependable tackler in open space and quick in pursuit. His technique came on significantly with the Eagles in 2024. This shows he's capable of taking on coaching and developing further in the pros.

Size would be the major red flag. Ezeiruaku can sometimes struggle against more imposing offensive tackles as a result. However, there would be no better men to scheme up mismatches for the player than Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.

Commanders draft Quincy Riley

• Cornerback | Louisville Cardinals
• Round No. 3 | Pick No. 78

Despite trading for Marshon Lattimore and spending one of their second-round picks in 2024 on Mike Sainristil, the Commanders could still use help at the cornerback spot. This need becomes more urgent depending on Noah Igbinoghene's status beyond the current campaign.

Benjamin St-Juste is out of favor and out of contract, so he'll be gone. Emmanuel Forbes Jr. was recently released. Michael Davis has been seldom seen. The Commanders need another capable veteran and a rookie to mold into a potential starter over time.

It might be worth taking a chance on Quincy Riley. The Louisville defensive back thrives in press coverage with an ability to get wide receivers off their spots quickly. His athleticism is sufficient and the anticipation to jump routes catches the eye.

There is some work needed against the run and from a tackling standpoint. He's also not the quickest, which could mean slot responsibilities if the Commanders are intent on keeping Sainristil paired with Lattimore on the boundary.

Commanders draft Charles Grant

• Offensive Tackle | William & Mary Tribe
• Round No. 5 | Pick No. 148

The Commanders shouldn't settle on their offensive line. It's been encouraging to see real progress from this revamped unit, but it's far from perfect. Adam Peters won't hesitate to make changes if he feels like upgrades can be found.

This is dependent on Andrew Wylie's future. The veteran right tackle has one year remaining on his deal but could be a salary-cap casualty given his indifferent performances. Even if the Super Bowl winner sticks around, bolstering depth wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.

Charles Grant comes with more intrigue than most at this stage of the draft. He's vastly experienced, boasts the physical gifts that typically transition well, and displays sound technical prowess in pass protection to keep opposing edge rushers at arm's length.

Grant not having top-level competition throughout his college career will hurt his stock, as will his lack of legitimate NFL-caliber size. Despite these concerns, he's well worth the risk here as a development project that can be molded into something more over time.

Commanders draft Jack Velling

• Tight End | Michigan State Spartans
• Round No. 6 | Pick No. 199

The Washington Commanders might be in the market for another tight end this offseason. Zach Ertz has exceeded expectations but isn't getting any younger. John Bates is out of contract and might not return. Second-round rookie Ben Sinnott has potential, but he's an unknown quantity in the passing game until further notice.

Perhaps adding another dependable veteran if Ertz doesn't stick around is the smart way to go. Adam Peters could also look to the college ranks for another dependable option in the passing game depending on his pre-draft assessments.

Someone like Jack Velling fits the bill as a late-round piece that could feature sooner than expected. His route-running and assured hands are an asset. He knows how to create separation and has enough speed to get up the field quickly. There's also a lot to like about his yards after the catch potential.

There is some refinement needed. Velling needs to spend considerable time in the weight room to improve his play strength in the pros. His blocking is also a work in progress but should come on with NFL coaching.

Commanders draft Dylan Sampson

• Running Back | Tennessee Volunteers
• Round No. 6 | Pick No. 203

Brian Robinson Jr.'s done a tremendous job of leading the running back room in 2024. That trend should continue next season, which is the final year of his rookie deal.

The Commanders have questions aside from that. Austin Ekeler's been an outstanding addition, but the serious concussion suffered against the Dallas Cowboys leaves doubts about his status. The cupboard is bare aside from that unless Chris Rodriguez Jr. gets a reserve/futures deal.

Adding a Day 3 running back is something to consider. The position tends to adjust quicker than most, so the chances of hitting on a potential steal are high given the Commanders have a shrewd talent evaluator in Adam Petters leading the charge.

Dylan Sampson is a hot name who might go much higher than this when push comes to shove. The SEC Offensive Player of the Year has been on a tear this season, gaining 1,485 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns to spearhead the Tennessee Volunteers into the playoffs. His home-run ability and supreme vision would be an enticing prospect to put alongside Jayden Daniels.

Commanders draft Joshua Farmer

• Defensive Line | Florida State Seminoles
• Round No. 7 | Pick No. 231

Beefing up the defensive line is something the Commanders will contemplate this offseason. Daron Payne and Johnny Newton are the mainstays. Jonathan Allen is pushing to return, but his status beyond the 2024 campaign is under a cloud with one year remaining on his contract.

Phidarian Mathis was a healthy scratch over the last two contests and could be cut this offseason. Sheldon Day is serviceable but might not get another shot in 2025. Either way, adding someone with the physical traits to develop can only help matters.

This brings Joshua Farmer under the microscope. The Florida State prospect has nine sacks and 15 tackles for loss over the last two seasons. He's not the finished product by any stretch of the imagination, but he'll get a good chance to bolster his stock after accepting an invite to the Reese's Senior Bowl.

Seventh-round selections are a crap shoot. Betting on Farmer's potential growth with more development is a better option than most at this juncture.

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