Commanders draft Tyler Batty
- Edge Rusher | BYU Cougars
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 197
The Washington Commanders could address their edge-rushing needs much sooner than this. Much will depend on what happens in free agency or the trade market. Adam Peters has enough spare cash and expendable assets to make a bold move, so it's a wait-and-see situation for all involved.
Dorance Armstrong Jr. should get another season after signing a three-year contract. Clelin Ferrell is a free agent and probably won't be back. Dante Fowler Jr. is in a similar situation, but his 10.5 sacks during the regular season could see another short-term commitment come his way.
Regardless of whether Fowler returns or not, the Commanders need another high-upside development piece to bolster depth. Tyler Batty is a decent option at this stage of the draft, boasting the college experience and exceptional run-stopping Washington desperately needs on the edge.
That's Batty's biggest strength. He's an outstanding run defender, holding his spot impressively. The prospect recognizes plays developing through his high football IQ. The BYU standout also has enough closing speed to reach the contact point, which should help immediately.
Batty needs development as a pass-rusher with his limited repertoire. Even so, his accomplished run defense represents a need for the Commanders and a solid foundation from which to build.
Commanders draft Xavier Truss
- Offensive Line | Georgia Bulldogs
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 238
No team can ever settle on their offensive line. The Commanders lack the depth needed to hang with the NFL's heavyweights. One couldn't dismiss the prospect of Adam Peters attacking this need with more urgency at some stage given the serious injury to Sam Cosmi.
Washington got the worst possible news where Cosmi was concerned. The stud right guard tore his ACL in their stunning triumph at the Detroit Lions. This could see him miss most, if not all, of the 2025 campaign depending on his recovery timeline.
Shifting Brandon Coleman inside is possible. The Commanders could also address this need via free agency. That shouldn't stop them from adding an intriguing development project with one of their later draft selections.
Xavier Truss fits that mold. He's a bruising interior presence capable of carving open running lanes. At 6-foot-7 and 310 points, he's a formidable force to move off the block. The Georgia prospect needs some technical refinement, but there is a lot to work with.
Commanders draft Jamon Dumas-Johnson
- Linebacker | Kentucky Wildcats
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 249
We're working on the premise that the Commanders will attack their secondary in free agency. They might even decide to keep faith with the five starters this season in the hope that continuity across the unit could see them develop further under the expert guidance of defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.
The Commanders might add another linebacker into the mix at some stage during the draft. Bobby Wagner is a free agent but did more than enough for another deal. Frankie Luvu is a cornerstone piece, but there are questions about the others.
If Jamon Dumas-Johnson is still around this late on Day 3, it could be an absolute steal. He's a little undersized, but the Kentucky prospect's instincts and dynamic movement in short areas are a good scheme fit within Dan Quinn and Whitt's system.
Dumas-Johnson can shed blockers effectively despite his lack of size. He is never found wanting for effort and has sufficient gap discipline. That makes him an intriguing rotational piece and key special teams contributor with a smooth transition.