Commanders draft Devin Neal
- Running Back | Kansas Jayhawks
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 207
Adam Peters has some big decisions to make in the running back room this offseason. Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler performed well overall and complimented each other effectively. However, their regression over the second half of 2024 cannot be dismissed when evaluating the roster.
It would be surprising if both weren't around next season. That shouldn't stop Peters from adding another potentially explosive backfield weapon from what looks to be a deep draft class.
Devin Neal was a four-year starter at Kansas, accumulating outstanding numbers throughout his college career with the Jayhawks. The prospect knows how to shoulder a heavy burden, gaining 4,343 rushing yards and 49 touchdowns from 760 carries. He's a threat as a pass-catcher out of the backfield and became a willing blocker in pass protection, which is only going to help his stock.
Neal's on-field vision is superb, and when he gets into the open field, big gains normally follow. Bulking up slightly to cope with the NFL's brutal punishment would be prudent, but this could be a decent option for the Commanders in pursuit of giving the offense another jolt.
Of all the underrated needs Peters has to figure out this offseason, this could be one he addresses in the draft much sooner than most anticipate.
Commanders draft Tyler Batty
- Edge Rusher | BYU Cougars
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 231
It wouldn't be surprising to see the Commanders double-dip at the edge rushing positions during the 2025 NFL Draft. This is a rich crop and Washington needs better depth. Solving this need with college prospects is a lot cheaper than free agency.
Dorance Armstrong Jr. will be back. The same cannot be said of Clelin Ferrell and potentially Dante Fowler Jr. despite gaining double-digit sacks in 2024. Seventh-round pick Javontae Jean-Baptiste showed promise, but that doesn't mean the Commanders won't make him fight to earn his roster spot again in 2025.
A chance is taken on Tyler Batty with Washington's final selection of the draft. He's not the most explosive edge rusher to ever grace the sport. However, he's a relentless worker who does a tremendous job of setting the edge on running plays.
Anyone who watched the Commanders last season knows how much they struggled versus the run. The defensive end couldn't hold their ground and paid the price. Generating pressure is important, but Washington cannot overlook the need to find a genuine edge-setter against the rush either.
Batty gained a reputation for impressive run defense during his time at BYU. He's ultra-aggressive and likes nothing better than to maul any offensive lineman in his path. This mentality should fit seamlessly into Washington's locker room.