Everyone knows how important it is to hit on your first-round selection in the draft. It is your most valuable pick. If you hit on it, you bring a key player onto your roster. If the choice becomes a bust, you turn into a mockery.
Day 2 of the NFL Draft can be just as important. Several teams will find important foundational players for their team for the next decade or more in the second and third rounds.
Adam Peters found some hidden gems on Day 2 for the Washington Commanders in 2024. Mike Sainristil has turned into a great cornerback already, with versatility to shine both in the nickel and on the boundary.
Brandon Coleman showed a lot of good flashes in his rookie year for a third-round pick. He now has the chance to build on that with the move to right tackle in Year 2 of his career.
Defensive tackle Johnny Newton and tight end Ben Sinnott are two players with a ton of potential who were taken for the future. With proper development, they will be key players on the roster. Even Luke McCaffrey showed flashes when given the opportunity. Fans are vying for the wide receiver to get more playing time.
The Commanders currently only hold one pick on Day 2 this year, which is their second-round pick at No. 61 overall. Peters will have a chance to make trades to gain more selections on this day, but he should also consider these five prospects expected to be available when Washington goes on the clock.
Can't-miss 2025 NFL Draft prospects the Commanders could steal on Day 2
Commanders could draft Kevin Winston Jr.
- Safety | Penn State Nittany Lions
Jeremy Chinn was arguably the Washington Commanders' biggest loss of the offseason after he signed a contract with the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency. However, Kevin Winston Jr. is the perfect replacement.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds with 32 1/2-inch arms, Winston has great size for an NFL safety. He combines this with elite explosiveness. He ran a 4.50-second 40-yard dash at his Pro Day, but he looks even quicker on film.
Winston only played in two games in 2024 due to a season-ending knee injury. However, he was an absolute star in 2023. He is not looked at on par with prospects like Nick Emmanwori, Malaki Starks, or Xavier Watts in this draft class, but he should be.
The Penn State prospect is a tackling machine. In 13 games played in 2023, Winston had zero missed tackles. He is the definition of an exceptional run defender.
Winston's length is also a major plus in coverage. He shows the instincts needed to be good in zone situations and is physical enough to succeed against tight ends in coverage.