It's clear from Adam Peters' comments after making his choice that the Washington Commanders had one specific target in mind at No. 29 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. The general manager had several trade-down offers, but nothing was considered while Josh Conerly Jr. was on the board.
He wasn't alone in coveting the Oregon prospect. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury left a note on Peters' desk during the week, pleading with the front office leader to take the offensive tackle. His wish was granted, and the protection in front of quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels got better instantly.
Not trading back leaves Peters with just four picks over the remaining six rounds. The Commanders could still trade down at some stage, although it won't be for anything like the compensation they'd have received for the No. 29 pick. Conerly is a good start, but the margin for error remains razor-thin.
Reading between the lines, the direction of Washington's next pick is obvious.
Commanders desperately need an edge rusher after drafting Josh Conerly Jr.
The Commanders have to get an explosive edge rusher. And they need one urgently.
Washington made a concerted effort to solidify the offensive trenches this offseason. Trading for Laremy Tunsil and drafting Conerly should help. It also strengthens other offensive line positions, which was essential considering prolific right guard Sam Cosmi faces a significant spell on the sidelines with a torn ACL.
Peters won't tie his flag to the mast regarding one position, especially if someone high on their board falls. But considering the Commanders don't have a third-round selection after trading it to the New Orleans Saints for cornerback Marshon Lattimore, not coming away with an edge rusher on Day 2 comes with potential complications attached.
If the Commanders trade out of the No. 61 pick, it's a different story. Peters will have more flexibility then, but it's pretty rigid right now. Not many expected him to take an edge protector in the first round. The fact that he did means nothing should be ruled out.
There's always Day 3 or the remaining veteran pool for assistance. The Commanders have a concise strategy in place with Peters leading the charge. He's courageous, has conviction in everything he does, and the early results speak for themselves.
Fans have complete trust in Peters. He's prioritized the protection in front of Washington's prized possession, and rightfully so. But the time has come to provide Joe Whitt Jr. and Dan Quinn with a versatile, dynamic pass-rushing force to complement what the Commanders already have.
Plans can, and often do, change during the draft. But it would be surprising if Peters didn't have an edge rusher at the top of his to-do list entering Day 2.
Time will tell…