Commanders 7-round 2025 NFL mock draft: Trench warfare edition

Adam Peters wants to build through the draft and supplement any remaining needs through free agency. That's the correct approach, although it might alter slightly considering how the Washington Commanders opened their Super Bowl window much sooner than anticipated.

It was a phenomenal start for head coach Dan Quinn. The Commanders won 12 regular-season games and secured a wild-card spot. Two memorable postseason triumphs on the road versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions saw Washington reach the NFC Championship game.

Their fairytale run fell short after defeat to the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, but the Commanders achieved far more than even the greatest optimist envisaged. Now, it's up to Peters and his staff to make the moves needed to make this early success sustainable.

The Commanders are well-positioned to strengthen. They have more than enough salary-cap space to attract the right individuals and are a hotbed destination once again. Peters also has seven draft selections despite having to give up capital to acquire cornerback Marshon Lattimore via trade before the deadline.

Peters' options are endless and nothing should be off the table right now. Using the Pro Football Network simulator, we took a look at how the Commanders might approach their 2025 NFL Draft selections in our latest seven-round mock.

Commanders 7-round 2025 NFL mock draft brings depth and quality

Commanders draft Nic Scourton

• Edge Rusher | Texas A&M Aggies
• Round No. 1 | Pick No. 29

If the Washington Commanders want to keep up with the Philadelphia Eagles next season and beyond, they must bolster their trenches on both sides of the football. Building from the inside out is an achievable objective for Adam Peters this offseason.

The Commanders are picking lower than most anticipated. It's a strange feeling being so far down the pecking order, which could make Washington's first-round pick expendable in a trade if the right opportunity presents itself. Peters could also decide to move down in pursuit of additional assets or up for a prospect of interest. It's all about playing the board effectively.

Adding to the pass-rush is desirable. This is also a deep draft class for edge rushers and defensive linemen that won't go unnoticed by Peters.

If Nic Scourton is still around at this juncture, the Commanders could do far worse than look in his direction. The Texas A&M prospect has a unique blend of size, explosiveness, and length. His production took a slight dip last season, but he's got the physical profile to be dominant with a little extra refinement technically.

This would be a tremendous landing spot for Scourton. Whether he'll be around when Washington goes on the clock is another matter.

Commanders draft Tre Harris

• Wide Receiver | Ole Miss Rebels
• Round No. 2 | Pick No. 61

Getting quarterback Jayden Daniels more weapons should also be high on Adam Peters' list of priorities this offseason. The Washington Commanders have a superstar on their hands. Doing everything possible to maximize his rookie contract is crucial.

The Commanders have money to spend on these areas in free agency. Fans are dreaming of big-name acquisitions, but don't be surprised if Peters adopts a more methodical approach to preserve future financial flexibility for the organization.

This isn't the deepest draft class for wide receivers. However, there are a few notable names worth considering over the first two days of the college selection process.

Tre Harris is one of them. He's a polished performer who does everything well. Ole Miss has a habit of productive receivers who hold their own at the next level. It would be surprising if he didn't add this name to this ever-growing list.

Harris is a big-bodied receiver at 6-foot-2 with the athleticism to match. He's a sound route technician with plenty of big-game experience with the Rebels. The wideout is a supreme red-zone threat who knows how to gain leverage quickly. This would provide Daniels with another reliable pass-catcher to go alongside second-team All-Pro Terry McLaurin.

Commanders draft Tate Ratledge

• Offensive Line | Georgia Bulldogs
• Round No. 3 | Pick No. 79

The Commanders' offensive line made some encouraging progress in 2024. While the bar wasn't high for improvements considering how things capitulated under previous head coach Ron Rivera, it was an encouraging sign after wholesale changes across the board.

Adam Peters won't be settling. The front-office leader won't hesitate to find upgrades if he feels like it's the right thing to do. There's also the concerning injury to veteran interior protector Sam Cosmi that dictates reinforcements must arrive.

Cosmi's outstanding 2024 campaign came to an abrupt halt with a torn ACL in Washington's divisional-round triumph at the Detroit Lions. He could miss most if not all of the next campaign depending on how things shake out. This is a gaping hole that must be filled effectively.

If the Commanders opt to go down the draft route, Tate Ratledge is someone to consider. The Georgia prospect is a brute force on the interior, boasting accomplished production in pass protection and running plays. He's physical, aggressive, and never backs down from a challenge.

More importantly from the Commanders' perspective, Ratledge is ready to start now and has the leadership traits that Adam Peters is sure to love. Once the player improves his hand placement and balance after initial contact, the lineman could be a long-term starter when it's all said and done.

Commanders draft Jordan Phillips

• Defensive Line | Maryland Terrapins
• Round No. 5 | Pick No. 148

As mentioned previously, this is an exceptional group of defensive linemen and edge rushers emerging from the college ranks. The Washington Commanders must take advantage of this to improve their fortunes in the trenches.

The defensive tackle position has received significant investment in recent years. Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne were both first-round picks who got paid handsomely on their second deals. Adam Peters spent the No. 36 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft on Johnny Newton, who's only going to improve following his rookie flashes.

Washington might add a prominent free agent depending on Allen's future. Bolstering depth with a high-upside prospect from the college ranks who could become something more over time is another strong possibility.

Jordan Phillips is an interesting prospect to watch. He's a stout force against the run with surprising athleticism for a man his size. The Maryland standout turned in some impressive performances last season, but he remains rough around the edges.

Phillips got special permission to enter the draft early to further raise intrigue. There wouldn't be any pressure on him to start immediately, especially if the Commanders spend big on someone like Osa Odighizuwa in free agency. But he's got the athletic profile to make quick progress under Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s guidance.

Commanders draft Teddye Buchanan

• Linebacker | California Golden Bears
• Round No. 6 | Pick No. 197

The Commanders have some uncertainty within their linebacking corps this offseason. It largely centers on the future of Bobby Wagner, who's out of contract with his fortunes hanging in the balance.

Wagner was one of the primary catalysts behind Washington's exceptional culture shift in 2024. His on-field production remains high en route to Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro distinctions. This was matched by supreme leadership in the locker room, motivating his teammates and helping to implement a winning mentality.

The former second-round pick wants to keep playing. There should be another deal for Wagner if he wants it, but the Commanders need to fortify depth at the defensive second level whether the future first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer comes back or not.

Teddye Buchanan represents decent value at this stage of the draft. He's not the most imposing linebacker, but the California prospect excels in coverage. This is an area where the Commanders lacked consistency last season. Using him on passing downs could enhance Washington's capabilities.

Anyone who drafts Buchanan needs to pick and choose their spots with the player. They need a plan to maximize his skill set rather than forcing him into situations where he isn't comfortable. Getting to work on improving his lateral movement should be the biggest priority regarding his early development.

Commanders draft Devin Neal

• Running Back | Kansas Jayhawks
• Round No. 6 | Pick No. 207

Adam Peters has some big decisions to make in the running back room this offseason. Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler performed well overall and complimented each other effectively. However, their regression over the second half of 2024 cannot be dismissed when evaluating the roster.

It would be surprising if both weren't around next season. That shouldn't stop Peters from adding another potentially explosive backfield weapon from what looks to be a deep draft class.

Devin Neal was a four-year starter at Kansas, accumulating outstanding numbers throughout his college career with the Jayhawks. The prospect knows how to shoulder a heavy burden, gaining 4,343 rushing yards and 49 touchdowns from 760 carries. He's a threat as a pass-catcher out of the backfield and became a willing blocker in pass protection, which is only going to help his stock.

Neal's on-field vision is superb, and when he gets into the open field, big gains normally follow. Bulking up slightly to cope with the NFL's brutal punishment would be prudent, but this could be a decent option for the Commanders in pursuit of giving the offense another jolt.

Of all the underrated needs Peters has to figure out this offseason, this could be one he addresses in the draft much sooner than most anticipate.

Commanders draft Tyler Batty

• Edge Rusher | BYU Cougars
• Round No. 7 | Pick No. 231

It wouldn't be surprising to see the Commanders double-dip at the edge rushing positions during the 2025 NFL Draft. This is a rich crop and Washington needs better depth. Solving this need with college prospects is a lot cheaper than free agency.

Dorance Armstrong Jr. will be back. The same cannot be said of Clelin Ferrell and potentially Dante Fowler Jr. despite gaining double-digit sacks in 2024. Seventh-round pick Javontae Jean-Baptiste showed promise, but that doesn't mean the Commanders won't make him fight to earn his roster spot again in 2025.

A chance is taken on Tyler Batty with Washington's final selection of the draft. He's not the most explosive edge rusher to ever grace the sport. However, he's a relentless worker who does a tremendous job of setting the edge on running plays.

Anyone who watched the Commanders last season knows how much they struggled versus the run. The defensive end couldn't hold their ground and paid the price. Generating pressure is important, but Washington cannot overlook the need to find a genuine edge-setter against the rush either.

Batty gained a reputation for impressive run defense during his time at BYU. He's ultra-aggressive and likes nothing better than to maul any offensive lineman in his path. This mentality should fit seamlessly into Washington's locker room.

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