Commanders draft Jack Sawyer
- Edge Rusher | Ohio State Buckeyes
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 205
The Washington Commanders could easily double-dip at the edge rushing spot during the draft despite the limited capital at Adam Peters' disposal. Donovan Ezeiruaku would be a versatile chess piece capable of being moved around in this scenario. Jack Sawyer represents a more prototypical defensive end to bolster the rotation.
Sawyer could go much higher than this. The Ohio State prospect is technically sound. He plays with high-level effort and even higher instincts. There's a lot to like about his ability against the run, using his hand placement and agility to hold a firm edge before pursuing the ball carrier.
He's not the most explosive, and the athletic ceiling isn't particularly high. Even so, Sawyer is a relatively safe bet at the defensive end position with proven college production. He also emerged as a respected leader in the Buckeyes' locker room, which is something the Commanders coveted heavily during Peters' first draft at the helm.
Sawyer wouldn't blow anyone away with his speed. His old-school mentality would slot seamlessly into Washington's culture shift. If he's available here, which does seem highly unlikely all things considered, it might not take long for the Commanders to turn in their card.
Commanders draft Kaden Prather
- Wide Receiver | Maryland Terrapins
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 245
Surrounding quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels with everything needed to excel further was rightfully among the Commanders' biggest offseason priorities. The NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year is a franchise player. Adam Peters recognized this and pivoted accordingly.
The Commanders got Daniels an elite blindside protector in five-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil. They also secured the services of wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., whose production needs no introduction as he looks to form a prolific partnership with Terry McLaurin next season.
Noah Brown and K.J. Osborn were re-signed. The Commanders remain confident that Luke McCaffrey can increase his influence after being brought along gradually as a rookie. Adding another pass-catcher with a high upside during the 2025 NFL Draft is only going to assist Daniels' cause.
There's a chance Washington addresses the wide receiver room much sooner than this. If not, Kaden Prather comes with a physical profile that could offer something different as a long-term development project.
Prather stands 6-foot-3 with the agility to match. He knows how to create advantages through body control and can find the soft spots in zone coverage easily. There's a lot to like about his contested catch prowess, which makes him a potential red-zone weapon for Daniels to utilize with a smooth transition.
The Maryland prospect's lack of top-end speed will hurt his stock, but Prather represents a decent low-risk, high-reward option at this juncture.