Adam Peters and the Washington Commanders' front office got to work quickly this offseason. The biggest move wasn't in free agency. It centered on another blockbuster trade to acquire star left tackle Laremy Tunsil.
Looking past Tunsil's arrival, there have not been many additions from the free-agent pool as things stand. Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw came in on big money. Safety Will Harris also signed a two-year deal to offset the departure of Jeremy Chinn.
The Commanders have also brought back a few players, most notably linebacker Bobby Wagner and tight end Zach Ertz. Chinn, wide receiver Dyami Brown, and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen will be playing elsewhere in 2025.
Thus far in free agency, Peters has opted to not bring in any edge rushers. This could be an indication that he will look to the draft to improve the Commanders' pass rush before the campaign. All-Pro stud Trey Hendrickson from the Cincinnati Bengals is still available in the trade market, too. Although that seems unlikely looking at the potential compensation and contract.
Following the Tunsil trade, the Commanders now hold five picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. Peters can alter that by moving back if the right offer comes along, but it's not a lot to work with.
Commanders choose dynamic pass-rusher in CBS Sports' latest mock draft
Garrett Podell from CBS Sports pointed out one first-round prospect whose draft stock has risen as a potential option for the Commanders at No. 29 overall. The selection was edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku out of Boston College.
"With Dante Fowler Jr., Washington's 2024 sacks leader with 10.5, hitting free agency, the Commanders need to acquire a young edge rusher. Donovan Ezeiruaku, the 2024 ACC Defensive Player of the Year whose 16.5 sacks were the second most in the nation, could be nice fit. He showcased a steady dose of explosion off the ball at the combine. The consensus All-American will fit in nicely with the NFC runner-ups."Garrett Podell
Ezeiruaku shows more than enough athleticism useful in Dan Quinn's defense. He shows this on the tape with his explosiveness. The player's NFL Scouting Combine athleticism score of 84 ranked fifth among all defensive ends that participated.
The 2024 ACC Defensive Player of the Year weighed in at 6-foot-2 and 248 pounds in Indianapolis, giving him a smaller build for an NFL edge rusher. However, his explosiveness makes up for his lack of size.
Throughout his 2024 campaign at Boston College, Ezeiruaku compiled 60 pressures, 14 sacks, and 57 total tackles. He also earned a 90.0 defensive grade on the season from Pro Football Focus.
The Williamstown High School alum shows great bend and flexibility when trying to get around tackles. Ezeiruaku's burst after the snap allows him to utilize this even better. His 34-inch arms make him a threat in the run game by shedding blocks and forcing his lengthy arms into holes.
Ezeiruaku shows a deep bag of pass-rushing moves, giving him the ability to make counter moves easily. He has a high motor, which Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. love. Trading down is an option, but he's someone the Commanders should consider.
The top free-agent edge rushers are gone. Ezeiruaku could be a great first step to improving the pass-rushing capabilities.
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