There will be plenty of options for the Washington Commanders when they (hopefully) select a future cornerstone of their franchise with the No. 29 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
They can swing for the fences on one of the draft's top running backs. Perhaps they could use some more pass-rushing help. Or maybe another addition to the offensive line. According to ESPN's Bill Barnwell, their best option would be none of the above.
Barnwell suggests that the Commanders should attempt to trade out of their first-round slot to receive more capital later on.
"While Jayden Daniels starred as a rookie, (Washington) had the league's seventh-oldest team on a snap-weighted basis. Commanders fans might point out that imports like tight end Zach Ertz and linebacker Bobby Wagner were outliers impacting those numbers, but they're both back in starting roles for 2025."Bill Ba
The Commanders only possess five picks in the upcoming draft as things stand. They gave away most of their mid-round selections in trades for left tackle Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., so it's understandable to think they should sacrifice one of their earlier slots (No. 29 and No. 61) for some more depth.
Commanders should stick to their guns and pick at No. 29 overall
On the contrary, though, having fewer picks also makes nailing those first two selections all the more important.
That is where the focus of Washington's brain trust should lie. It's also why the Commanders should disregard Barnwell's advice and stick to their guns.
In all likelihood, future stars aren't going to be drafted with those later picks. Every draft has a couple of fourth or fifth-round diamonds in the rough. But far more often in that range, you're dealing with prospects who will never make it to a second NFL contract.
Hitting on picks in the first two rounds can make or break a franchise's future. Washington should know better than anyone after taking Jayden Daniels at No. 2 overall last spring.
Granted, that was a layup of sorts, but the Commanders also snagged defensive tackle Johnny Newton, cornerback Mike Sainristil, and tight end Ben Sinnott all in the second round last spring. At least two of three (Newton and Sainristil) look like they will be key long-term pieces.
Given that — as Barnwell notes — Washington possesses one of the older rosters in the NFL, the Commanders would be best served to groom their future by retaining their premier selections. The direction they decide to go in using their first-rounder is up to Adam Peters, but they need to use it.
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