Most fans and analysts widely expected the Washington Commanders to add another edge rusher at some stage during the 2025 NFL Draft. But this dire pre-drafted need was inexplicably ignored.
This was a deep group of pass-rushers and defensive linemen, with some top-end prospects and intriguing hopefuls further down the pecking order to consider. General manager Adam Peters resisted the urge, opting to focus his attention on other position groups instead.
Peters only had five picks. Once he decided not to trade down in the first or second rounds, it diminished his options and margin for error. The front-office leader determined that no edge rusher was worth taking on Washington's comprehensive draft board.
He's much more interested in taking the best prospects available regardless of need. That much is abundantly clear.
Commanders are running a big risk with their current edge rushers
The Commanders emerged from the draft with some outstanding prospects. That's not the issue, it's the fact Peters is willing to move forward with the team's current edge-rushing unit, none of whom are capable of striking fear into opposing offensive lines.
One only has to look at the NFC East as proof of that. Here are the Commanders' edge rushers compared to their division adversaries.
- Commanders: Dorance Armstrong Jr., Clelin Ferrell, Deatrich Wise Jr., Jacob Martin.
- Giants: Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, Kayvon Thibodeaux.
- Eagles: Nolan Smith Jr., Azeez Ojulari, Jihaad Campbell, Bryce Huff, Josh Uche.
- Cowboys: Micah Parsons, Dante Fowler Jr., Donovan Ezeiruaku, Payton Turner.
You see the problem, right?
The Commanders have the division's worst edge-rushing unit. They might improve things against the run, but this could become a weak link that prevents them from going over the hump.
Peters didn't even add another pass-rusher with developmental upside over the early stages of undrafted free agency, although that could change. This is a supreme vote of confidence in the options available, and the Commanders have Frankie Luvu to potentially provide a versatile weapon to generate pressure when the situation dictates.
Even so, they are making a significant gamble that could go either way.
Perhaps the options currently available will perform above expectations. Perhaps Peters has something else in mind with $26.18 million in available salary-cap space. Perhaps the Commanders are thinking of going for broke with a trade for All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson after the Cincinnati Bengals spent their first-round pick on Shemar Stewart.
There's just no telling for sure.
The Commanders' fan base has trust in Peters. He knows how to build a successful roster. Expectations have risen entering Year 2 of this ambitious project, which means the margins get finer and the pressure builds. Running with this edge-rushing class represents a risk, but there's enough flexibility to pivot accordingly if things aren't going according to plan.
It'll be something to watch as preparations for the new campaign ramp up, that's for sure.