Washington Commanders fans waited a long time to find out what Adam Peters would do to begin the 2025 NFL Draft. The general manager entertained trade calls, but opted to stand pat at No. 29 overall after intense discussions.
To the surprise of some, Josh Conerly Jr. was the pick. The Commanders traded for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil this offseason after striking a deal with the Houston Texans. That didn't stop Peters from identifying the Oregon edge protector as someone who can fit into their long-term plans.
It probably upset some on the offensive line depth chart, but the general manager wants to raise competition across the board. Trading down would have been wise, even if Peters acknowledged the chance to take Conerly was too difficult to turn down with others lurking.
There were plenty of surprises on Day 1. This all began with the Jacksonville Jaguars surging to No. 2 overall for two-way phenom Travis Hunter and ended with the Philadelphia Eagles trading places with the Kansas City Chiefs for linebacker Jihaad Campbell. One can expect more of the same frantic activity over the second and third rounds.
The Commanders only have one Day 2 pick at their disposal currently (No. 61 overall). It'll be a nervous waiting game, but here are five ideal targets fans should be begging to fall into Washington's lap.
Ideal Commanders targets on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft
Commanders could draft Jayden Higgins
- Wide Receiver | Iowa State Cyclones
The Commanders could add to the weapons around quarterback Jayden Daniels on Day 2. Surrounding the signal-caller with everything needed to thrive has been the primary objective above all else this offseason. Adam Peters going against the grain to draft Josh Conerly Jr. is another prime example.
Peters wants to take the best prospects available regardless of need. He wants competition and heightened standards within each position group. If wide receiver Jayden Higgins falls and the Commanders have him high on their board, one couldn't completely rule out the possibility.
Higgins is a matchup nightmare at 6-foot-4 with the speed to match. He's a crips route runner with assured hands and outstanding body control. This offers an extra level of explosiveness and size that few in Washington's wideout room possess currently. Perhaps only Noah Brown comes close from a physical standpoint.
There's a chance Higgins is gone by the time Washington goes on the clock. If not, it warrants a discussion despite the desperate need for defensive reinforcements.