Adam Peters stood pat once again on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Washington Commanders are entertaining trade offers, but the general manager held firm over the first two days despite the limited resources at his disposal.
The Commanders took promising offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. in the first round at No. 29 overall after a nervous wait to see if he'd make it that far down the pecking order. This wasn't perceived as a great need after Washington traded for Laremy Tunsil, but Peters took what his assessments deemed as the best prospect available regardless.
The same trend continued in the second round. Peters got some calls to move back. They were rejected when Ole Miss cornerback Trey Amos — someone the Commanders were contemplating in the first round — somehow fell into their laps at No. 61 overall.
Attention now turns to Day 3. This is the time when less-heralded prospects take their place in the spotlight. Although they don't come with the hype of those who got drafted before them, it's a stage of the draft where rough diamonds can be unearthed and rosters get enhanced with the right selections.
The Commanders have three picks over the remaining four rounds. Here are some enticing prospects Washington could draft on Day 3.
Ideal targets Commanders could target on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft
Commanders could draft R.J. Mickens
- Safety | Clemson Tigers
The Commanders haven't done much to improve their options at the safety position this offseason. One could even argue that the unit was downgraded after Will Harris replaced Jeremy Chinn, who didn't get a new deal and left for the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency.
That's a risk Peters was willing to take. But with Tyler Owens, Jeremy Reaves, and Percy Butler backing up Harris and Quan Martin, acquiring another from the college ranks should be considered on Day 3.
Washington's margin for error is almost non-existent with so few picks. R.J. Mickens would be a worthy contender, but this would likely have to come with the No. 128 overall pick. The Commanders don't pick again until No. 205 as things stand, where he'll probably be gone.
Mickens boasts a high football IQ and outstanding leadership credentials. He became the undisputed leader of Clemson's secondary last season, communicating well on the backend and making sure the younger players knew exactly what was expected on and off the field.
The former Tiger excels in coverage, which is something the Commanders could use on their safety rotation.