Commanders 7-round 2025 NFL mock draft: Building around Jayden Daniels

The Commanders must build around Jayden Daniels.

Jayden Daniels
Jayden Daniels | Michael Owens/GettyImages
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Commanders draft Kyle Kennard

  • Edge Rusher | South Carolina Gamecocks
  • Round No. 2 | Pick No. 55

It would be surprising if Kyle Kennard made it this far down the pecking order. But if the promising edge rusher is available at this juncture, the Washington Commanders should seriously consider the possibility.

The Commanders need to apply more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. They've progressed steadily in this area, but it often becomes their undoing against the better offensive lines around the league.

Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Clelin Ferrell haven't met expectations as yet. Dante Fowler Jr.'s production is a pleasant surprise. He's also out of contract next spring and could get a lucrative offer elsewhere.

Regardless of whether Fowler stays or not, the Commanders need to find an explosive young edge rusher capable of forming a key part of the team's defensive plans moving forward. Kennard fits the bill, boasting a unique blend of speed and power that's taken college football by storm in 2024.

Kennard knows how to generate pressure and get around the football on running plays. Once the South Carolina prospect refines his pass-rushing repertoire and tackling technique, the sky's the limit.

Commanders draft Jalen Royals

  • Wide Receiver | Utah State Aggies
    Round No. 3 | Pick No. 77

If the Commanders want Jayden Daniels to excel throughout his time with the franchise, they need more weapons in the passing game. Terry McLaurin remains an outstanding performer and one of the league's most reliable wide receivers. His supporting cast wouldn't be classed as stellar by any stretch.

Noah Brown is decent but prone to mistakes. The same goes for Olamide Zaccheaus. Dyami Brown remains on the fringes and might not return in 2024. Luke McCaffrey is an unknown quantity despite accumulating some nice advanced statistics without the targets to show for it.

Expect the Commanders to address this heavily throughout the offseason. Fans are dreaming of landing a big fish like Cincinnati Bengals wideout Tee Higgins. That would be a sensational addition, but it shouldn't stop Washington from looking to the draft for another long-term option.

Jalen Royals is an intriguing prospect at this stage of the draft. The Utah State playmaker dealt with injuries earlier in the season, but he's bolstered his stock considerably with some sensational performances to conclude the campaign.

Royals has the electrifying traits and big play ability that the Commanders need. Something that could help take Daniels' game to new heights along the way.

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