Commanders draft Jermaine Mathews Jr.
- Cornerback | Ohio State Buckeyes
- Round No. 3 | Pick No. 72
The Washington Commanders have invested a lot in their cornerback room since Adam Peters took charge. However, more is needed if this defense wants to make the required improvements next season and beyond.
Trey Amos, this year's second-round pick, looks the part. Mike Sainristil has regressed, but he's not a lost cause just yet. That's not the case with Marshon Lattimore, who struggled this season before tearing his ACL against the Seattle Seahawks, ruling him out for the rest of 2025.
If Lattimore is released as expected, the Commanders need to address their cornerback unit urgently. Jonathan Jones and Noah Igbinoghene are both out of contract, so finding a capable veteran in free agency and another hot commodity in the draft seems almost guaranteed.
Although Jermaine Mathews Jr. might not have the size and physical scope that Dan Quinn typically looks for in his defensive backs, the Ohio State prospect is smooth in coverage and versatile enough to play across the line of scrimmage.
He's a willing tackler who mirrors receivers superbly. Adding some more strength once he gets to the pros would be wise, but there is a lot to like about Mathews' ability to make a smooth transition to the NFL.
Commanders draft Gabe Jacas
- Edge Rusher | Illinois Fighting Illi
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 148
Fans were concerned that Adam Peters didn't do enough to strengthen the team's edge rushing options this season. The Commanders were relying on aging veterans to produce the goods and to avoid injuries. Unfortunately, health problems have exposed the unit's lack of legitimate quality.
Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Deatrich Wise Jr., the starting defensive end tandem, are both done for the campaign. Drake Jackson was signed and immediately stashed on injured reserve. That's left the Commanders with Jacob Martin, Von Miller, and Preston Smith. Not exactly a prolific group, which is why Frankie Luvu has been spending more time on the edge in recent weeks.
Peters must give this critical area of the field the attention it deserves when the 2026 offseason commences. Adding in free agency seems realistic. This is also a decent-looking draft class to pick up a capable prospect or two, even though picks are at a premium.
Gabe Jacas has the production and physical profile that Dan Quinn has done well with in the past. He's not the biggest, but his relentless motor and explosiveness more than make up for it. And the Commanders could scheme him across the line of scrimmage to create mismatches in this scenario.