Loser No. 2
Javontae Jean-Baptiste - Commanders DE
The Washington Commanders need to fortify their trenches on both sides of the football this offseason. Considering their need to win right now, Adam Peters opted to go down the veteran route with proven performers who can assist immediately.
Washington re-signed the likes of Sheldon Day, Jalyn Holmes, and Clelin Ferrell. They also secured Eddie Goldman, Javon Kinlaw, and Deatrich Wise Jr. to strengthen the team's options. This is immensely positive, especially considering the possibility of Peters adding another via the college ranks is extremely high.
What this means for Javontae Jean-Baptiste's future is anyone's guess. The seventh-round selection did well to make the team and earn reps as a rookie. There were some flashes of promise on the rotation, but the need to improve this offseason cannot be overstated with increased competition in the edge-rushing room.
Jean-Baptiste should make the squad barring any drastic drop-off. Maintaining the same urgency is key and he should benefit greatly from his rookie exploits. Even so, the Commanders won't hesitate to diminish his involvement if the necessary improvements don't arrive.
The former Notre Dame standout has a significant amount of hard work ahead. If the Commanders bolster their pass-rush as expected during the draft or perhaps with another bold trade for Trey Hendrickson, his task becomes even steeper.
Winner No. 3
Brian Robinson Jr. - Commanders RB
Many analysts were wondering if the Commanders would add another dynamic running back via free agency. The team's ground regression over the second half of 2024 and during the playoffs left reasons for pessimism. But general manager Adam Peters gave those around a supreme vote of confidence.
For now, at least.
Brian Robinson Jr. was probably nervously awaiting developments. The Commanders did nothing aside from re-signing Jeremy McNichols and placing an exclusive rights tender on former sixth-round selection Chris Rodriguez Jr. This ensures the Alabama product keeps his spot atop the depth chart, but for how much longer remains to be seen.
Robinson flashed tremendous promise over the early stages of the campaign. His physical running style complimented what Austin Ekeler brought to the table. Unfortunately, injuries and offensive line frailties on running plays mean production dipped significantly at the business end of the campaign.
While Robinson got a reprieve over the first wave of free agency, that might not be the case for much longer. This is a deep group of running backs emerging from the college ranks this offseason. The Commanders only have five picks, but Peters has the luxury of finding a long-term backfield threat to go alongside Jayden Daniels if the right opportunity presents itself.