Commanders draft Jayden Higgins
- Wide Receiver | Iowa State Cyclones
- Round No. 2 | Pick No. 61
Adam Peters has done everything to provide Jayden Daniels with an enhanced supporting cast this offseason. The Washington Commanders have a superstar on their hands, so this was the correct call in pursuit of ensuring that his remarkable rookie accomplishments become something more.
Trading for Deebo Samuel Sr. could be a game-changer for the wide receiver room. It's the most prolific running mate Terry McLaurin's ever had. With Luke McCaffrey, Noah Brown, Michael Gallup, and K.J. Osborn rounding off the unit right now, it's a decent group.
That won't stop Peters from identifying another explosive wideout via the draft if there's value available. Jayden Higgins represents exactly that at the bottom end of the second round.
Higgins has the size at 6-foot-4 to be a real problem in the pros. But he's not just a physical force, the Iowa State standout is a smooth route-runner with dependable hands and the speed to stretch the field.
There is some work ahead for Higgins. He needs to improve his release technique to make better use of his athletic attributes. But his position versatility across the line of scrimmage and ability to always come up big in key moments represent an intriguing addition to the Commanders' passing attack.
Commanders draft Kaleb Johnson
- Running Back | Iowa Hawkeyes
- Round No. 3 | Pick No. 66
Another trade. This time, the Kansas City Chiefs move up one spot for a preferred prospect, giving the Commanders a fourth-round selection. That would be difficult to turn down, and there's no doubt Adam Peters wants more picks after giving up so much in the trade market.
The Commanders spend their first third-round pick to rectify an overlooked position group. Peters kept faith with the running back options available this offseason. He would be wise to alter this path at some stage during the 2025 NFL Draft.
It's a deep draft class for running backs. There are some exceptional options expected to go in the first round, and several prospects are being touted as rough diamonds capable of surging into prominent roles immediately. Kaleb Johnson lies somewhere in between.
Washington brought Johnson in for a visit recently, which indicates they are considering the benefits of bringing him into the fold. While the Iowa prospect's top-end speed could hurt his stock, his patient, creative rushing approach makes him a potentially immediate contributor with long-term promise.
With Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler, Chris Rodriguez Jr., and Jeremy McNichols all entering the final year of their respective deals, the Commanders must plan for the future as well as the present. And Peters is always thinking two steps ahead.