Commanders draft Patrick Payton
- Edge Rusher | LSU Tigers
- Round No. 3 | Pick No. 91
The Washington Commanders have some questions around their edge rushing room in 2025. Although the defensive front applied itself well over training camp and the preseason, it won't take long for optimism to plunge if they cannot generate pressure consistently when it counts.
Adam Peters won't hesitate to make this his top priority when the 2026 offseason arrives. Going down the free-agent route is preferable, especially if Trey Hendrickson hits the market. Still, there are some intriguing draft prospects also worthy of consideration to bolster the ranks further.
It's a huge season ahead for Patrick Payton. After four seasons at Florida State, the edge force transferred to LSU in pursuit of bolstering his draft stock with a playoff contender. He's a sound technician who does everything well, with his pursuit speed and bend around the edge notable features of his on-field contribution.
Payton also emerged as a respected leader in the Seminoles' locker room, which is something he is looking to bring to the Tigers. That's always a highly coveted trait with this regime, as high character quickly became almost as important as production on the gridiron.
If Payton can add a little strength to set cleaner edges against the run, he'll be in consideration for a Day 2 selection.
Commanders draft Caleb Douglas
- Wide Receiver | Texas Tech Red Raiders
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 156
Washington's wide receiver room looks strong heading into the 2025 campaign. This bears more significance after franchise cornerstone Terry McLaurin finally ended his long contract standoff with a three-year, $96 million deal that came with $44 million guaranteed.
The Commanders spent a fifth-round pick to acquire Deebo Samuel Sr. to the organization, which adds a different dynamic to Kliff Kingsbury's passing attack. Noah Brown offers a vertical threat, and the signs are glowing around rookie fourth-rounder Jaylin Lane after an outstanding summer. All hope is not lost just yet with Luke McCaffrey, although this season will tell coaches all they need to know about his long-term outlook.
Adam Peters never settles. He knows how important this window is with Jayden Daniels on his rookie contract. The more weapons Washington's superstar quarterback has, the better their chances will be.
Caleb Douglas could be an intriguing possibility later in the draft. After an injury-hit two seasons with the Florida Gators, the wideout transferred to Texas Tech and thrived, gaining 60 receptions for 877 receiving yards and six touchdowns to get himself back on the radar.
At 6-foot-3 with the athleticism to match, Douglas represents a matchup nightmare when firing on all cylinders. If he stays consistent this season, the pass-catcher is well worth considering.