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.
Commanders draft Cameron Williams
- Offensive Tackle | Texas Longhorns
- Round No. 2 | Pick No. 61
The Washington Commanders made a significant statement of intent by trading for Laremy Tunsil. He's an elite-level blindside presence for quarterback Jayden Daniels — something that provides extra security and should make the entire offensive line better for good measure.
Washington's big changes could be on the right-hand side. Reports suggest Brandon Coleman will be moving to right tackle with Andrew Wylie going inside to replace the injured Sam Cosmi. But it might be worth the Commanders identifying another talented offensive tackle from the college ranks if this experiment doesn't go according to plan.
Cameron Williams boasts the elite size and length typically associated with starting-caliber edge forces in the pros. He doesn't have much starting experience in college, but the athletic upside is absolutely off the charts if he develops accordingly under NFL-caliber coaches.
This would be a great landing spot for Williams. There wouldn't be much pressure on the Texas prospect to play immediately. Learning from Washington's coaches and occupying a key rotational role before gradually getting more responsibilities could be worth its weight in gold.
The Commanders could also take a cornerback or edge rusher here. But a chance is taken on Williams' exceptional traits becoming something more with some additional polish.
Commanders draft Oluwafemi Oladejo
- Edge Rusher | UCLA Bruins
- Round No. 4 | No. 128 overall
The Commanders need to find another edge rusher capable of producing almost immediately. This is a deep draft class for general manager Adam Peters to pick apart, but spending his assets wisely is imperative with Washington only having five selections.
Washington lost Dante Fowler Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys in free agency. They signed Jacob Martin and Deatrich Wise Jr. from the veteran pool. Even so, the Commanders need another dynamic, explosive threat capable of moving around to create mismatches.
There are growing rumors linking the Commanders with Oluwafemi Oladejo. The Commanders' brass attended UCLA's pro day with a keen focus in the pass-rusher. They also had a 30 visit with the player, who's got a sketchy draft projection currently.
Depending on where you look, Oladejo could go late in the first round to early on Day 3. There isn't a consensus projection regarding his outlook, which stems from a lack of pass-rushing moves and being a tweener in terms of size.
One thing that Oladejo does have going for him is run defense. He sheds blocks easily and has a high motor in pursuit. Considering how the Commanders struggled to contain outside runs last season, it's not hard to see why those in power are taking a closer look at the Bruins' standout.
Commanders draft Tahj Brooks
- Running Back | Texas Tech Red Raiders
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 205
The Washington Commanders have stood pat in their running back room so far this offseason. That's a vote of confidence in those who contributed last season, but this is an extremely deep draft class with several potential options for Adam Peters to investigate.
Having a change of pace back would be prudent. Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler are a decent tandem, but their regression over the second half of 2024 and into the postseason cannot be dismissed. Jeremy McNichols was a solid piece but nothing more. Chris Rodriguez Jr. has potential, even if the Commanders didn't trust him enough for significant responsibilities at the business end of the campaign.
Peters won't hesitate to bring another runner from the college ranks, although this might be a little later in the process. Tahj Brooks is a name to consider, and he outlined his intrigue regarding a move to Washington during his recent interview with Kay Adams.
Brooks is relatively small in stature, but he absorbs contact well and has the on-field vision needed to exploit gaps seamlessly. He can be a pass-catching asset out of the backfield and is a willing blocker despite his 5-foot-9 frame.
His lack of top-end speed could see his draft stock dip slightly. If Brooks makes it this far down the board, a discussion must be had in the Commanders' war room.
Commanders draft Collin Oliver
- Linebacker | Oklahoma State Cowboys
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 245
Versatility is a key component of what Dan Quinn looks for in his second-level players tasked with generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The Commanders spent their seventh-round selection last year on Javontae Jean-Baptiste, who was seen as undersized but ended up flashing promise as a situational defensive end when reps came his way.
Washington could go down a similar route in 2025. There's a temptation to take a wide receiver or a cornerback during the draft, which could still happen. But the Commanders have enough spare cash to get veterans on short-term deals to plug gaps. And they will be more than willing to join this ambitious project.
Collin Oliver's athletic traits are worthy of a flier with Washington's final pick. However, there are some injury red flags after the hybrid linebacker/edge rusher suffered a foot injury that restricted him to just two games last season.
Oliver failed to build on his freshman promise after achieving 11.5 sacks, which is concerning. The Oklahoma State prospect also needs significant refinement from a tackling standpoint, especially with the angles he approaches oncoming runners.
Seventh-round picks are always a crapshoot. But Oliver has more going for him than most providing the Commanders remove some problem areas of his game.