Chris Paul - Commanders OL
Adam Peters wasted no time in fortifying the offensive line this offseason. The Washington Commanders were found wanting in this critical area when it counted. Their protection in front of quarterback Jayden Daniels rightfully got the priority it deserved.
The Commanders' trade for left tackle Laremy Tunsil is a game-changer in no uncertain terms. Washington also spent the No. 29 pick on Josh Conerly Jr., who could win the starting right tackle gig immediately if everything goes well over the summer. In an ideal world, this gives Daniels a bookend edge tandem capable of keeping his pocket clean with more consistency.
Losing right guard Sam Cosmi for most, if not all, of the 2025 campaign is a massive blow. The likes of Andrew Wylie, Brandon Coleman, and Nick Allegretti will be tasked with providing interior assurance alongside starting center Tyler Biadasz. The arrival of Nate Herbig also brings intrigue, although he's got his own injury concerns to alleviate.
Cosmi's long-term issue might be Chris Paul's saving grace when push comes to shove. The former seventh-round pick made the squad last season but was a healthy scratch more often than not. His status is shaky at best, so nothing but excellence and supreme consistency will do in pursuit of seeing out the final year of his rookie deal.
Anything less comes with grave consequences attached.
Jeremy McNichols - Commanders RB
The Commanders' running back room comes with questions attached entering 2025. Their regression over the second half of 2024 and into the postseason saw fans clamor for change. Adam Peters had a different idea, keeping faith with the options available in the hope they could turn things around.
Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler remain atop the depth chart. The Commanders re-signed Chris Rodriguez Jr. after the 2023 sixth-round pick flashed tremendous promise when given carries. Peters did add one new backfield threat to Washington's options, with seventh-rounder Jacory Croskey-Merritt joining the fold to potentially provide immediate assistance if he transitions smoothly.
Veteran Jeremy McNichols also got a new one-year deal this offseason. The Boise State graduate averaged 4.7 yards per carry last season, and scoring four touchdowns on the ground from 55 touches was another pleasing factor of his overall contribution. However, the player's limitations are there for all to see at this stage of his career.
McNichols is the No. 3 option currently. His status is largely dependent on how quickly Croskey-Merritt picks things up and how many running backs the Commanders take through onto the 53-man roster. If those in power like what they see from the rookie, and Rodriguez takes another step forward, the former fifth-round pick could be on the outside looking in.