The Washington Commanders won't be settling with any position group heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. Adam Peters wants to select the best prospects available regardless of need. Taking defensive tackle Johnny Newton at No. 36 overall last year proves he's a man of his word.
Some notable upcoming private visits, in particular, could potentially put one of the team's most accomplished (yet underachieving) players on notice.
Marshon Lattimore's trade to the Commanders before the 2024 deadline sent shockwaves through the NFL. The Pro Bowl cornerback came with glittering credentials and was expected to be a landmark addition to Washington's defense. Unfortunately, this didn't go according to plan initially.
Lattimore came into the franchise nursing a hamstring injury. He returned during the regular season but never looked comfortable. Another spell on the sidelines followed, with the Commanders opting to give him more time to ensure he was ready for the playoffs.
The same complications emerged. Lattimore found life difficult against Mike Evans in the wild-card round. Things looked more promising versus the Detroit Lions, but his lackluster effort at the Philadelphia Eagles saw the former first-round pick lose his cool on countless occasions.
Commanders take keen interest in two intriguing 2025 NFL Draft cornerbacks
Speculation regarding Lattimore's future quickly surfaced around the media. Peters shot this down quickly, stating that he was a big part of the team's plans. There's also confidence that he can return to his old form with a full offseason to get healthy and immerse himself in the schematic concepts.
That's the best-case scenario. If not, the Commanders need to form contingency plans if Lattimore's slump last season is the start of something more concerning.
And they are looking for cornerback assistance.
According to Ian Rapoport from the NFL Network, the Commanders are hosting two cornerbacks on '30' visits this week. Kentucky star Maxwell Hairston is one. Louisville's aggressive defensive back Quincy Riley is the other.
This doesn't mean the Commanders will pick either player. They are doing their due diligence on hundreds of prospects before finalizing their shortlist. But those in power are suitably intrigued by Hairston and Riley to warrant closer investigation at the very least.
Even if Lattimore bounces back, the Commanders could use another dependable cornerback as part of Peters' long-term project. Mike Sainristil is a future franchise cornerstone after thriving as a rookie. Noah Igbinoghene got a one-year extension, but he remains a wait-and-see player despite improving last season. Jonathan Jones was signed in free agency, but he's nothing more than a short-term fix.
Peters knows that better than anyone. The general manager earned significant praise for his masterfully drastic (and profitable) roster construction last year. He's kicked things up a notch this time around with the Commanders' window for a Super Bowl open. And make no mistake, there is no room for passengers.
Lattimore has the skills to make a better go of things next season. But the Commanders are right to cover every base in the event things don't work out. They can also save $18.5 million on their 2025 salary cap with no dead money attached next spring if this trade blows up in Peters' face.
Watch this space…