Adam Peters kicked off his 2025 NFL Draft exploits by taking offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. despite trading for Laremy Tunsil earlier this offseason. Most thought he would trade down, but that's not in keeping with his aggressive approach throughout his second recruitment period at the helm.
A development around the NFC East vindicated this decision instantly.
The Washington Commanders are not in the business of waiting around. Their Super Bowl window is open, and maximizing Jayden Daniels' rookie contract became their immediate objective after surging from the proverbial abyss to the NFC Championship game. Maintaining high urgency was key, although the difficulties with just four picks over the final six rounds were evident.
Peters is always in complete control and has the team's best interests at heart. Taking Conerly raised a few eyebrows, fans have complete faith in his capabilities.
All eyes were on Peters despite having just one pick on Day 2. It was a long wait for the No. 61 overall pick, which meant missing out on an edge-rushing prospect who was strongly linked to the Commanders throughout their pre-draft assessments.
Commanders lose potential draft target Donovan Ezeiruaku to the Cowboys
Donovan Ezeiruaku was a hot name on mock drafts for the Commanders at No. 29 overall. His size, explosiveness, and versatility made him an intriguing potential addition to Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s defense. Conerly was the preferred choice, which left the door open for Washington's most bitter rival to swoop for the Boston College prospect.
Instead of benefitting from Ezeiruaku's presence, the Commanders will now have to face him twice a year after the Dallas Cowboys took him at No. 44 overall.
This is one more problem for Washington to deal with. Micah Parsons remains the focal point of opposing protection schemes, but sleeping on the newly crowned second-round selection would be foolish. If Ezeiruaku gets enough space, he's more than capable of taking full advantage.
The amount of edge-rushing class within the NFC East is astonishing. It's an area where the Commanders lack, but at least they have an offensive line capable of counteracting their threat to keep Daniels' pocket clean consistently.
Ezeiruaku would have been nice, but he was never going to fall into their lap. That's what happens when you sacrifice so many picks and lose your flexibility.