Although the primary focus for the Washington Commanders right now is their upcoming playoff clash with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, general manager Adam Peters and his staff will be thinking a little further ahead.
The 2025 recruitment period is fast approaching. Washington has a significant opportunity to acquire the pieces needed to enter the Super Bowl discussion. Peters has a plan in place, but it's hard to deny this project isn't way ahead of schedule.
They are far from the finished product. The Commanders have some glaring holes to fill and need to improve depth across the board. Things have gone much better than anyone expected in 2024. This provides Peters with the platform needed to be aggressive while always keeping the bigger picture in mind.
Washington has around $100 million in salary-cap space and will be a coveted destination for veteran free agents. The Commanders also have seven selections in the 2025 NFL Draft to find immediate difference-makers or potential diamonds in the rough.
Commanders select WR Emeka Egbuka in ESPN's NFL mock draft
There is a need to provide rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels with improved options in the passing game. Peters could go about this several ways. Jordan Reid of ESPN believes someone like Ohio State pass-catcher Emeka Egbuka could be worth taking at the backend of the first round in his latest mock draft.
"Though defense is a viable option for the Commanders, drafting another pass-catcher for Jayden Daniels also makes sense here. [Emeka] Egbuka overcame an injury-riddled 2023 and has 70 receptions for 896 yards and 10 touchdowns. His savvy route running and strong hands make the 6-1, 205-pound Egbuka one of the most pro-ready prospects in this class. He projects as a high-end WR2 and a perfect complement to Terry McLaurin."Jordan Reid, ESPN
Egbuka comes into the NFL with three seasons of decent production with the Buckeyes. He's explosive, creates separation effortlessly, and is a threat to gain yards after the catch. Those traits tend to transition extremely well from college to the pros.
The wideout's route-running is progressing nicely. Egbuka's breaks at the top of his route stems have no trouble manipulating opposing cornerbacks. He knows how to find space against zone and boasts the strength and hand technique to beat press coverage to further raise intrigue.
Peters will examine Egbuka's prospects in greater detail. Hundreds of others will come under consideration before a shortlist is devised. But considering how well he's expected to test throughout the evaluation process, he could also go a lot higher when it's all said and done.
The Commanders are going to prepare for every eventuality. Peters got some outstanding early returns from his first draft class. If he can do the same again, that'll make a substantial difference.
Washington needs more productivity alongside Pro Bowl pass-catcher Terry McLaurin. Daniels is a superstar, so there's just no telling what the signal-caller could accomplish once the supporting cast improves accordingly.
And make no mistake, the Commanders could do a lot worse than Egbuka that's for sure.