Adam Peters has been a busy man this offseason. From re-signings to new arrivals and trade bombshells, it's been a frantic recruitment period so far. And there is one more prominent event to navigate before attention turns to preparing for the upcoming campaign.
The 2025 NFL Draft is on the immediate horizon. Washington isn't blessed with much capital as things stand. Peters won't be satisfied with five picks, so expect the Commanders to engineer a trade-down if the right offer comes along at some stage.
This is a slight diversion from Peters' original plan to build through the draft. However, it's understandable considering the Commanders have a franchise quarterback and a rookie contract to make the most of before things get much more costly.
Trades for left tackle Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. confirmed this shift in approach. That doesn't detract from the need to hit on the team's draft assets to further boost the roster.
Peters got outstanding returns from his first draft class. The Commanders found three legitimate starters and some intriguing projects that should contribute more in 2025. Doing the same again is only going to help them keep pace with the division rival and Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
Using the Pro Football Network simulator, we took a look at how the Commanders could approach their selections in this seven-round mock draft.
Commanders 7-round mock draft after 2025 free agency
Commanders draft Nick Emmanwori
- Safety | South Carolina Gamecocks
- Round No. 1 | Pick No. 29
The Washington Commanders lost Jeremy Chinn in free agency after he signed for the Las Vegas Raiders. Although disappointing, those in power offset the loss by bringing Will Harris into the fold.
That shouldn't prevent the Commanders from adding another versatile, athletic piece for their secondary. Nick Emmanwori ticks those boxes and represents tremendous value at the bottom end of the first round.
Emmanwori has every physical intangible needed to be impactful in the pros. The South Carolina standout is a hard-hitting asset against the run with enough fluidity to provide outstanding coverage support or even operate as a nickel cornerback if the situation dictates. This is the exact sort of defensive back which Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. have thrived with previously. His mentality should also go down well with Washington's brass.
Whether Emmanwori will be around by this point is anyone's guess. He's in contention to be the first safety taken, but the positional value might see him slide down the order further than expected. It's a waiting game for the Commanders, especially considering they don't have the capital to trade up for a prospect of interest.
If Emmanwori was there for the taking, the Commanders would be wise to seriously consider the possibility of taking him.