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.
Commanders could draft Will Johnson
- Cornerback | Michigan Wolverines
It's never nice to see prospects sitting in the green room backstage at the draft waiting for their names to be called. They cast envious glances at others who've achieved their dream, waiting to hear their names called. It happens eventually, but the wait is painstaking.
Will Johnson was among those who had a wasted trip to Lambeau Field on Day 1. The gifted cornerback was projected to be among the first prospects taken earlier in the pre-draft process. However, concerns about a knee injury raised enough red flags for every team in the first round to go in a different direction.
Johnson isn't expected to last much longer on Day 2, although nothing could be completely dismissed right now. The former Michigan standout's athleticism and ability to mirror wide receivers were there for all to see in college. But the health concerns, coupled with his supposed scheme dependency, gave teams cause to pause.
It would be immensely surprising if he were still around when the Washington Commanders' next turn came at No. 61. If he somehow made it that far down the pecking order, it would be a difficult proposition to turn down if Adam Peters is satisfied with his medical assessments.
Adding Johnson to Washington's current cornerback options represents a mouthwatering proposition.
Commanders could draft Oluwafemi Oladejo
- Edge Rusher | UCLA Bruins
This is the Commanders' biggest remaining priority. They need more explosiveness in their edge-rushing room. And they need it urgently.
Adam Peters felt that taking an offensive tackle before the talent fell off dramatically was a better option than examining the edge rushers available. This is a deep class for defensive linemen and those who can generate pressure consistently. The Commanders believe they can find better value lower down the draft food chain.
Peters is playing his board as effectively as ever. Even so, the potential complications are glaring if the Commanders don't rectify this issue.
Oluwafemi Oladejo is someone who caught the eye of Washington's brass throughout the team's comprehensive pre-draft assessments. He's got the physical traits Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. look for in their edge rushers, which is matched by a relentless work ethic and leadership credentials in abundance.
Oladejo can play with his hand in the dirt or as a stand-up rusher. His versatility would allow the Commanders to move him around the line of scrimmage to exploit mismatches. Whether he makes it down to No. 61 overall is another matter.
There are still some intriguing edge players remaining who could go ahead of Oladejo. That might work in Washington's favor when it's all said and done.
Commanders could draft Kaleb Johnson
- Running Back | Iowa Hawkeyes
Some fans were clamoring for the Washington Commanders to take another running back with their first-round pick. Only two went before Adam Peters went on the clock, with Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton going to the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers, respectively.
The Commanders had their pick of the rest at No. 29 overall. Peters opted to solidify the offensive trenches instead, which is only going to help the options already available in the backfield.
If the Commanders have the luxury, and Peters believes it's the right thing to do, taking a running back on Day 2 cannot be ruled out entirely. One prospect who generated more inquisitiveness from Washington than most throughout the pre-draft assessment phase happens to remain on the board.
Kaleb Johnson met with the Commanders several times. The Iowa prospect is a top-level prospect with the college production to match. He might not be classed as having elite speed, but his on-field vision, supreme contact balance, and creative elusiveness always transition well to the pros.
What the Commanders must figure out is whether a running back warrants preference over more pressing priorities. But if Peters has Johnson high on his board, he won't hesitate to pull the trigger and worry about the rest later.
Commanders could draft Andrew Mukuba
- Safety | Texas Longhorns
The Commanders could use another safety heading into the 2025 campaign. Jeremy Chinn's disappointing departure in free agency was offset by the arrival of Will Harris. He's got big shoes to fill, but those in power are confident he's got the physical tools needed to be impactful.
Tyler Owens has the physical stature to increase his role next time around. Percy Butler is a solid special-teams player, but nothing more. The same goes for Jeremy Reaves, so finding a core rotational piece with long-term starting promise wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.
There are intriguing options available on Day 2. Nick Emmanwori would be a dream, but the chances of him lasting to No. 61 overall are remote. That's not the case with Andrew Mukuba. And considering the Commanders don't have a third-round selection as things stand, he represents a viable option.
Mukuba isn't the biggest safety who's ever played, but his coverage ability is first-class. The Texas prospect identifies plays developing quickly and reads the quarterback's eyes extremely well. He's also got the versatility to play on the backend or in the nickel if the situation dictates.
He's a fiery individual with an aggressive approach to run defense. Mukuba needs to be more disciplined in the pros, but he's technically sound with room for further growth.