The Washington Commanders enter the 2025 NFL Draft with just five picks. That's not in keeping with Adam Peters' initial desire to build through the college ranks, but the general manager was right to change course slightly after a remarkable first campaign for the new regime.
Washington reached the NFC Championship game. They found a franchise quarterback at the first time of asking. Peters knew this was a window of opportunity and went bolder than many anticipated to bring proven performers to the organization.
The first big splash was trading for cornerback Marshon Lattimore before the 2024 deadline. Peters wasn't done there, acquiring wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and left tackle Laremy Tunsil to legitimize his project further this offseason.
It's an exciting time for fans. Peters would probably like to get more picks by trading down at some stage. He's also accomplished enough to maximize his current resources in pursuit of going one better next time around.
Using the Pro Football Network simulator, we looked at how the Commanders could approach their selections in our latest seven-round mock draft.
Commanders fill needs with outstanding prospects in 7-round 2025 NFL mock draft
Commanders draft James Pearce Jr.
- Edge Rusher | Tennessee Volunteers
- Round No. 1 | Pick No. 29
The Washington Commanders have flexibility heading into the draft. Adam Peters will consider offers to move back from No. 29 overall. If one of the quarterbacks (Tyler Shough, Jalen Milroe, Jaxson Dart) is available, that's the best chance the front-office leader has of getting some decent capital in return.
That's to be determined. Peters won't hesitate to stand pat and take the best prospect available if the right offer doesn't come along. If someone like James Pearce Jr. is around by the time Washington goes on the clock, that could be the call.
The Commanders need a dynamic edge rusher to give their playoff hopes a boost. Pearce is explosive with a high motor capable of causing havoc consistently in opposing backfields. His athleticism is nothing short of jaw-dropping, which looks tailor-made for Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s defensive schematics.
Pearce's first step is lightning-quick. He's got the agility to counter initial contact, and his speed-to-power is eye-catching. There is some technical refinement needed against the run, but this should be easily resolved by the Commanders' exceptional coaching staff.
The floor is immensely high where Pearce is concerned. There's a possibility he could go much higher, but Adam Peters knows it's a waiting game for his desired prospects at No. 29 overall.
Commanders draft TreVeyon Henderson
- Running Back | Ohio State Buckeyes
- Round No. 2 | Pick No. 61
There's a growing belief that the Washington Commanders will spend one of their early draft selections on the running back position. Adam Peters hasn't made any serious moves to bolster his backfield during the offseason yet. This could change with a deep group of prospects emerging from the college ranks.
The Commanders relied too heavily on quarterback Jayden Daniels to gain yards on the ground as the campaign went on. Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler dealt with injury issues and poor performance levels. Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. are serviceable, but neither moves the needle much in the grand scheme of things.
TreVeyon Henderson would be a difficult proposition to turn down if he made it to No. 61 overall. The Ohio State standout is a compact runner with smooth contact balance. He's a supreme red-zone threat thanks to his physicality and vision. There's also a lot to like about his improvements in the passing game to further raise intrigue.
Henderson runs with urgency and leaves everything out on the field. This is the sort of character Dan Quinn and Adam Peters coveted heavily during their first draft. It's also a reason why the prospect is emerging into a decent pass protector when the situation dictates.
The Commanders need a long-term backfield threat to take the pressure off Daniels. Henderson could be the guy.
Commanders draft Jonas Sanker
- Safety | Virginia Cavaliers
- Round No. 4 | Pick No. 128
It's not hard to see why the Washington Commanders have taken an interest in Jonas Sanker during the pre-draft assessment process. There are other options and more pressing needs, but the Virginia prospect is an intriguing addition if available on Day 3.
The Commanders decided to let Jeremy Chinn walk in free agency. His contribution last season was impressive, galvanizing his career after being cast aside by the Carolina Panthers. However, Adam Peters decided he wasn't worth what the Las Vegas Raiders were offering.
Will Harris joined Washington on a two-year deal to replace Chinn. But with Percy Butler entering the final year of his deal and Tyler Owens remaining an unknown quantity, acquiring another high-upside safety is something the Commanders should consider.
Sanker ticks those boxes. He's an imposing presence against the run, displaying the physicality and superb tackling technique that look well-suited to Dan Quinn's defensive demands. He's also versatile, boasting experience on the backend or as a nickel cornerback.
There's a chance Sanker is gone by the time Washington goes on the clock in the fourth round. If the defensive back can become a little more fluid in his movements, especially in coverage, someone is going to have a tremendous player on their hands.
Commanders draft Jaylin Noel
- Wide Receiver | Iowa State Cyclones
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 205
The Washington Commanders could use one of their five draft picks on another wide receiver for quarterback Jayden Daniels. There isn't a great need right now, especially if Noah Brown and K.J. Osborn progress further with a full offseason with the squad. At the same time, no team can ever have enough outstanding pass-catchers.
This might not come right away. That could alter depending on whether general manager Adam Peters trades down for additional assets, but there are some intriguing sleepers a little lower down the pecking order upon further examination of this class.
Jaylin Noel fits into that bracket. He's a tricky evaluation considering his lack of legitimate size. Even so, his playmaking ability over the last two seasons makes him an intriguing development project who could learn a great deal from Deebo Samuel Sr. and Wes Welker during his initial transition.
Noel thrives in space. He's a dangerous yards-after-the-catch threat, which would give the Commanders another versatile weapon to move around the line of scrimmage in this scenario. The Iowa State prospect is much less physical than Samuel, something that makes creating separation against press coverage difficult.
If the Commanders form a plan to develop Noel and use him correctly on the rotation, he's well worth the risk at this stage of the draft.
Commanders draft Adin Huntington
- Defensive Line | Tulane Green Wave
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 245
Adding to the defensive front became a big priority for Adam Peters in free agency. This was almost guaranteed after veteran Pro Bowl lineman Jonathan Allen was released when no willing trade suitor came forward.
Javon Kinlaw and Deatrich Wise Jr. should help, especially against the run. Most of Peters' free agents were re-signed, with the likes of Sheldon Day and Jalyn Holmes flashing when called upon during Washington's fairytale run to the final four.
It might be worth the Commanders adding another to the depth chart when the draft rolls around. Those in power have taken a keen interest in Adin Huntington throughout their comprehensive pre-draft assessments. He's versatile, powerful, and makes plays in all phases. He's also got the effort and high character Washington loves in its fledgling stars.
Huntington revealed that he met with Peters, Dan Quinn, and Ryan Kerrigan, among others, at Washington's local pro day. This is the third time he'd spoken to the Commanders in recent months, which is a notable development, all things considered.
The Tulane prospect is expected to be a late-round selection. Some analysts have him going undrafted, but the Commanders could use their final pick on the lineman and get ahead of the queue for his services.