Commanders draft Deontae Lawson
- Linebacker | Alabama Crimson Tide
- Round No. 3 | Pick No. 84 (via trade)
As previously mentioned, the Washington Commanders should look to trade back for more picks at some stage. That won't be easy with only two selections in the first four rounds, which only makes the process more challenging for general manager Adam Peters.
In this scenario, the Commanders move back in the third round after striking a deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This gives them two extra late-rounders to utilize, and they also managed to strengthen their linebacking corps with Deontae Lawson.
Lawson is an experienced player with the athleticism to back it up. He's a well-rounded presence at the second level, physical against the run, and a weapon in coverage and blitz packages. With Bobby Wagner aging and possibly retiring after the campaign, the Commanders need a ready-made replacement to fill the void.
The Commanders need an injection of energy on defense. Lawson would provide that and more.
Commanders draft Kenyatta Jackson Jr.
- Edge Rusher | Ohio State Buckeyes
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 147
The Commanders are in desperate need of explosiveness and dynamism in their edge-rushing room. Dorance Armstrong Jr. was in the midst of a breakout campaign before getting hurt. But aside from that, it's been relatively underwhelming.
Jacob Martin is doing enough to warrant another one-year extension, but he's a rotational weapon being asked to take on starting responsibilities right now. Adam Peters could swing for the fences in free agency, but finding a capable performer via the draft is another strong possibility.
Kenyatta Jackson Jr. is a physically imposing player who is starting to put it all together on the production side. The Ohio State Buckeyes have given him more of a run this season, and he's rewarded them accordingly. There is still untapped potential, but the trajectory continues to point up for a player with every athletic intangible needed to thrive in the pros.
Commanders draft Ian Strong
- Wide Receiver | Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 161
Finding more productive weapons for quarterback Jayden Daniels is another must for Adam Peters. Several are out of contract and probably won't be back. Others are unproven, so finding some real difference-makers should be high on Washington's list of priorities next spring.
The Commanders will likely identify some targets in free agency. There is growing speculation that Brandon Aiyuk could be headed to Washington if he's released by the San Francisco 49ers as expected. Even so, Peters needs to find a physical force capable of taking the top off defenses if Noah Brown departs.
Ian Strong could be precisely that. He's got the size, speed, and wingspan to be a matchup problem in the pros. If the Rutgers prospect refines his route tree and overall awareness, he's got the scope to be a possible steal who could thrive with Daniels distributing the football in his direction.