The Washington Commanders need to carefully approach the 2025 NFL Draft. Adam Peters doesn't have much wiggle room with only five picks at his disposal, so getting them right is crucial. One analyst believes avoiding a polarizing prospect emerging from the college ranks would be a good place to start.
Peters is a hugely respected talent evaluator. He transformed the Commanders' roster quicker than expected. The general manager was aggressive in finding the upgrades needed to thrive further this offseason. If he can navigate his second draft in Washington successfully, it'll ensure head coach Dan Quinn has everything needed for another bold playoff bid next season.
The Commanders don't pick until No. 29 overall. If Peters trades back for more assets, it'll be even later. Washington has plenty of options available, it's choosing the right path that represents the tricky part.
Commanders urged to avoid Walter Nolen at No. 29 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft
Whichever way the Commanders go with their picks, Douglas Fritz from Clutch Points thought Peters would be wise to avoid Walter Nolen. The analyst highlighted their big investment in free-agent signing Javon Kinlaw and the limited resources available as reasons Washington should look elsewhere.
"Some draft pundits, and wacky AI software, have the Commanders looking at [Walter] Nolen for their premier 2025 pick. However, he’s not the right fit for several reasons. First, the Commanders beefed up their defensive line by getting Javon Kinlaw in free agency. Because of the contract price they paid for Kinlaw, the Commanders can’t afford to spend their first pick on an interior defensive lineman. Also, keep in mind the Commanders only have five picks in the draft. They have to fill those four needs, or else they will be scrounging around the free-agent leftovers throughout the summer. Nolen is best passed over with the Commanders’ first pick."Douglas Fritz
Nolen was being projected as a potential top-10 pick by some analysts before the pre-draft assessment process began. His stock has diminished since, which came with speculation about potentially dropping out of the first round entirely.
The Commanders won't dismiss anything. Peters and his front office team will trust their evaluations and look to take the best prospects available regardless of need. It's a luxury he was afforded last spring with great success from his first draft class. It would be surprising if the former San Francisco 49ers executive didn't adopt a similar philosophy this time around.
The Ole Miss prospect has a potentially profitable NFL career ahead of him. Even so, it would be a bombshell of epic proportions if the Commanders addressed their defensive line interior at No. 29 overall.
They have other needs to fill and very few selections to achieve their objectives. Peters will be flexible, but there is a need to prioritize certain position groups to provide that balance every contending team needs.
Peters is a master draft board manipulator and earned plenty of confidence from the fans in Year 1 of his tenure. Even if the pick isn't Nolen, there should be several intriguing options available when the Commanders go on the clock.
And there isn't much longer to wait…