Adam Peters had a simple strategy in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Washington Commanders were going to examine potential trade-down possibilities to bolster their assets. However, this would only get the green light if someone high on the team's board wasn't available.
Peters wasted no time in putting this plan into action. The Commanders ignored other needs to take offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. at No. 29 overall. Washington thought he'd go much higher in the first round, and they are expecting big things from the former Oregon standout.
This trend continued on Day 2. It was a waiting game for the Commanders at No. 61 overall. Peters didn't have a third-round pick, so it's a testament to how highly they regard cornerback Trey Amos that Washington stood pat and took the Ole Miss graduate.
The front-office leader revealed that the Commanders were considering Amos in the first round, so this could be a potential steal with a smooth transition. Washington has three picks on Day 3 as things stand, and the team's next move couldn't be clearer.
Commanders cannot ignore the edge-rushing position for much longer in the draft
Much like the situation entering Day 2, the Commanders need an explosive edge rusher capable of impacting the rotation. Their veteran options are solid enough right now, but Joe Whitt Jr.'s pass-rushers lack that extra sense of dynamism.
It's a deep group for edge rushers, although many of the higher-profile prospects have been taken higher up the food chain. Peters is an exceptional personnel evaluator who'll have some intriguing possibilities in mind. And anyone who contributes from this stage of the draft represents good value.
We are at the point where most prospects come with baggage or concerns. What Peters must figure out is which ones boast the promise needed to fit into the culture shift, pick things up quickly, and become long-term pieces of Washington's puzzle.
Peters is always quick not to back the Commanders into a corner. He's a big believer in talent over need, so nothing could be completely dismissed right now. At the same time, ignoring the pass-rushing assets at Whitt's disposal any longer seems a little foolish.
There is complete trust in Peters. He's a sound roster builder who transformed the Commanders much quicker than anyone expected. This is now about fine-tuning, and there's always the undrafted free agent market or the remaining veteran pool if they don't have genuine conviction in anybody else.
It'll be interesting to watch Peters navigate an overlooked yet integral part of the draft process. Getting his decisions right will make a huge difference.
If that brings another edge-rusher into the mix, the better Washington's hopes of going on another fairytale run will be.