The Washington Commanders don't have much in the way of 2025 NFL Draft capital to speak of after some daring trade activity this offseason. Picking lower than initially expected after a fairytale campaign could see them lose out on a dream prospect based on a recent report.
Adam Peters is a tremendous evaluator and roster builder. He's been more aggressive with the Commanders' window for contention opening almost immediately. That meant a slight change in approach, although his ideal ethos remains building through the draft before supplementing any remaining needs in free agency.
The Commanders have five picks right now after trading for wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and left tackle Laremy Tunsil. Not exactly ideal for Peters, but he'll have a plan to potentially maximize every possible resource. Sitting at No. 29 overall, the first round will undoubtedly be a waiting game.
Based on Jordan Reid of ESPN's conversations with league personnel, the Commanders can scratch Jihaad Campbell off their list of possibilities. The Alabama linebacker was projected to be in play for Washington just a few short months ago. But after a standout final campaign with the Crimson Tide and a stellar evaluation process so far, his stock is soaring.
Jihaad Campbell's soaring NFL Draft stock puts him out of Commanders' reach
Reid thought Campbell would go no lower than No. 19 overall. The up-and-coming analyst added that the second-level presence could even enter the top 10 discussions if someone like the Carolina Panthers becomes particularly enamored with the prospect.
"The Alabama linebacker is a red-hot name in league circles. At 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, his length and versatility are attributes that NFL teams seek in modern-day linebackers. He [Jihaad Campbell] has great awareness and loose movements in coverage, and he shows can rush the passer off the edge and as a blitzer. He needs to improve his consistency with stepping downhill and shedding blocks as a run defender, but he has the potential to improve in those areas. Campbell is my No. 14 player in this class and the prototype at the position. He could be drafted as high as No. 8 (Panthers), and his floor is likely No. 19 (Buccaneers). The Falcons at No. 15 make a lot of sense as a landing spot, as they need linebackers and players capable of rushing the quarterback."Jordan Reid
Nothing is guaranteed. Peters and his accomplished front-office staff will do their due diligence on hundreds of prospects. They'll cover every base and have a preferred solution for every scenario. Looking at the returns from his first draft class, hopes are high that the same trend continues — albeit with fewer incomings.
Peters knows what he's doing. He's been around winning franchises before and knows what it takes to build a perennial contender. He's found the right balance between adding and retaining in free agency. Not having the chance to draft Campbell might be a blow — especially for Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. — but there are several other worthy candidates at No. 29 if the Commanders cannot find a trade-down partner.
Campbell has a bright future. He thrives in all phases at the defensive second level and can even impact proceedings as an edge rusher when required. That's a big reason why he's rapidly ascending on draft boards around the NFL if Reid's report is accurate.
It'll put him out of Washington's reach, which is disappointing. But make no mistake, Peters will have contingencies for everything that unfolds in front of him.