Commanders 7-round 2025 NFL mock draft: Building around Jayden Daniels
By Dean Jones
Commanders draft Jason Marshall Jr.
- Cornerback | Florida Gators
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 148
The Washington Commanders made a huge statement of intent before the 2024 trade deadline by securing the services of Marshon Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints. Fans are still waiting for the four-time Pro Bowl cornerback to make his debut, which might come after the bye looking at his status for their Week 13 outing against the Tennessee Titans.
Adam Peters didn't acquire Lattimore for a short-term fix. He saw this as a long-term investment - someone who could form a potentially prolific tandem with second-round rookie Mike Sainristil. Things are less certain further down the depth chart.
Benjamin St-Juste's involvement is diminishing. Noah Igbinoghene flashes promise but is out of contract. Michael Davis will be moved on once his deal expires. Former first-rounder Emmanuel Forbes Jr. looks like a lost cause in desperate need of a fresh start.
More might be needed during the offseason for depth purposes if nothing else. Jason Marshall Jr. is someone who looks the part without quite accumulating the consistency needed at the collegiate level.
Marshall's got the size and length Dan Quinn looks for in his cornerbacks. He's physical and has no trouble assisting against the run. There is some development needed from a technical standpoint and he's not the quickest, but the Florida prospect represents good value at this stage of the draft.
Commanders draft RJ Maryland
- Tight End | SMU Mustangs
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 198
This will depend on whether the Commanders give Zach Ertz another season. The veteran tight end is a decent security blanket in the passing game and quickly became an outstanding leadership presence in the locker room. However, he's not getting any younger.
John Bates is a solid blocking option who could get another short-term extension to maintain stability. The Commanders also have second-round rookie Ben Sinnott, who's been seldom used in the passing attack this season as he slowly develops under Kliff Kingsbury's offensive coaching staff.
The Commanders might acquire another intriguing tight-end option from the college ranks if Ertz departs. RJ Maryland comes with more upside than most at this juncture.
Maryland's recovered from a frustrating injury earlier in the campaign to help his stock. He's a savvy route-runner with outstanding after-the-catch skills. There's also a lot to like about the progress being made as an in-line blocker.
Expecting miracles from the SMU prospect initially would be unrealistic. However, he's got the athletic traits that are well worth taking a chance on.