Adam Peters and his staff have done their investigations. They're finalizing their plans and solidifying the all-important board ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. And it's a big one for the Washington Commanders.
Peters was aggressive in the trade market this offseason, striking deals to acquire wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and left tackle Laremy Tunsil. The Commanders are in win-now mode with a dire need to maximize Jayden Daniels' rookie contract. That's a big positive, but it's severely depleted his draft wealth along the way.
The Commanders have just five picks as things stand. That decreases the margin for error, but Peters can rectify this by moving back if the situation presents itself. Washington was right to push its chips into the middle, so a good draft could give head coach Dan Quinn all he needs for another deep postseason run next time around.
This is an exciting time for fans. There was nervous apprehension this time last year with so many unknowns and so many holes to fill. These feelings have been replaced by complete confidence in Peters and the project after the Commanders went on a phenomenal run to the NFC Championship game in 2024.
Using the NFL Mock Draft database simulator, we took a look at how the Commanders could approach matters in our penultimate 2025 mock draft of this cycle.
Commanders trade down twice in seven-round 2025 NFL mock draft
Commanders draft Donovan Ezeiruaku
- Edge Rusher | Boston College Eagles
- Round No. 2 | Pick No. 34
Adam Peters would probably like to trade down from No. 29 overall. The Washington Commanders aren't blessed with much in the way of draft resources right now. Navigating a shift down the pecking order could be the best possible route to strengthening the roster.
Peters also proved during last season's draft that he has no trouble striking deals with division rivals if he feels like it's the right thing to do. The Commanders do the same again in this scenario, letting the New York Giants move up for quarterback Tyler Shough.
The Commanders spent their high-end second-round pick at No. 34 overall on a prospect who could go much higher when it's all said and done. Donovan Ezeiruaku might not be the biggest edge rusher, but he's got the explosiveness, bend, and versatility that look tailor-made for Dan Quinn's schematic concepts.
Ezeiruaku could be moved around to create mismatches. The Boston College prospect complements what the Commanders already have. He'd add an extra level of dynamism that was sorely lacking during the previous campaign, which represents a win-win scenario in no uncertain terms.
Whether it becomes reality or not is another matter.
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.
Commanders draft Cameron Williams
- Offensive Tackle | Texas Longhorns
- Round No. 3 | Pick No. 99
The Washington Commanders pulled off a coup by securing five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil via trade from the Houston Texans. Adam Peters had to pay a premium, but elite-level edge protectors like this never come cheap.
Tunsil is a game-changer in every sense of the term. This will involve some moving around for others, which brings the focus to the right-hand side of Washington's line.
Brandon Coleman and Andrew Wylie are expected to fill the starting spots. Dan Quinn revealed that both will alternate between tackle and guard before the final formula becomes obvious. With Sam Cosmi set for an extended period on the sidelines after tearing his ACL against the Detroit Lions, Peters could add another contingency plan from the draft.
If Cameron Williams was still around at this juncture, it makes a ton of sense. The edge force has every athletic intangible needed to make a success of his pro career. He's a little raw technically, but the ceiling is incredibly high where the Texas prospect is concerned.
Williams has the size, length, and agility to become a major asset in pass protection. He can play with a high pad level at times, but any problems surrounding his production can be ironed out with more experience and professional coaching.
Commanders draft Jonas Sanker
- Safety | Virginia Cavaliers
- Round No. 4 | Pick No. 128
The Commanders let Jeremy Chinn walk in free agency. This came as a shock to fans after watching the dynamic safety make a lasting contribution during the 2024 campaign. But general manager Adam Peters didn't think he was worth what the Las Vegas Raiders were offering and pivoted accordingly.
Will Harris was signed for a lot cheaper. He's got a lot of the same athletic attributes, but he's less instinctive. It's a solid option, but it shouldn't stop the Commanders from adding another safety to the ranks during the draft.
Washington spent considerable time with Jonas Sanker throughout its comprehensive pre-draft assessments. This just looks like a Dan Quinn guy. He's hard-working, boasts exceptional leadership credentials, and has an outstanding football IQ that allows him to be around plays consistently.
Although he's not the most gifted athlete, Sanker more than makes up for this with sound anticipation, physical tackling, and impressive communication from the backend. If the Virginia prospect can improve the fluidity of his movements, someone is going to have an absolute steal on their hands.
Sanker fits the mold from a character and production standpoint. There's nothing to suggest he couldn't be a core rotational piece at worst, with a smooth transition in 2025.
Commanders draft Quincy Riley
- Cornerback | Louisville Cardinals
- Round No. 4 | Pick No. 133
Adding another cornerback might not be the pressing need it once was for the Washington Commanders. Joe Whitt Jr. has a decent-looking quartet at his disposal heading into the campaign. One more from the college ranks is only going to help cope with some outstanding passing attacks on the schedule next time around.
Marshon Lattimore and Mike Sainristil are the two top-tier stars. Noah Igbinoghene re-signed on a one-year deal after catching the eye with consistent performances last season. Adam Peters also signed two-time Super Bowl winner Jonathan Jones in free agency, who'll be a significant asset on and off the field with a clear run of luck on the health front.
If the Commanders could acquire someone like Quincy Riley, that would do nicely. The Louisville prospect is another who's drawn interest from those in power during their pre-draft evaluations. He's athletic, instinctive, and has the ball skills needed to turn opportunities into takeaways when opportunities arise.
Riley's lack of size or length could mean he becomes a slot specialist in the pros. His production is serviceable on the boundary, so it's another versatile piece that the Commanders can move around depending on the matchup.
If the Commanders are looking for value at this stage of the draft, Riley represents exactly that.
Commanders draft Teddye Buchanan
- Linebacker | California Golden Bears
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 205
This part of the draft is all about finding someone with the athletic attributes needed to be molded into a productive NFL performer. Teddye Buchanan has the physical profile that could entice Dan Quinn and Adam Peters enough to take the plunge.
Buchanan is a 6-foot-2, 233-pound linebacker who clocked in at 4.6 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. His 79 athleticism score ranked No. 9 among all participating linebackers, which makes him an impactful force against the run when everything clicks.
Finding consistency is the next challenge for Buchanan. He tends to gamble with his angles, which need refinement when the margins get finer in the NFL. Even so, the California prospect is a smooth mover with ascending physical traits. Getting the chance to learn behind Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu makes this a fantastic landing spot for the player.
The Commanders have similar development hopes for Jordan Magee. Buchanan represents a risk worth taking here.
Commanders draft Patrick Jenkins
- Defensive Line | Tulane Green Wave
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 245
Getting more dominant in the trenches was a big priority for Adam Peters this offseason. Several defensive linemen were re-signed, and the Commanders gave Javon Kinlaw a contract that most immediately deemed excessive. Jonathan Allen was released when a willing trade suitor didn't come forward, which could be felt more than originally expected unless others don't step up to the plate.
It might be worth the Commanders adding another development piece later in the draft to mold behind the projected starting trio of Daron Payne, Johnny Newton, and Kinlaw. Patrick Jenkins has the physical scope to be a useful pass-rushing weapon from the interior if provided enough time to get problem areas of his game up to speed.
Jenkins's lack of height and length has seen the Tulane prospect go under the radar compared to others. His quick first step and relentless motor make him a potential late-round gem that could help the Commanders as the campaign goes on.