Adam Peters has just five selections during the 2025 NFL Draft. The Washington Commanders' activity in the trade market is a big reason why. This turns up the heat to maximize every resource in pursuit of strengthening the team's playoff hopes.
The Commanders have the right man to achieve this objective. Peters transformed the football operation, installing professionalism and purpose where once there was nothing but dysfunction. It's still early in the project, but the early results were exceptional.
Peters hasn't ruled anything out. He'd probably like to move down, but the Commanders have no problem standing pat either. This is all about extracting maximum value from his picks and finding the right prospects capable of fitting into Washington's inspiring culture shift.
The margin for error is diminished. Judging by Peters' returns on his first draft class in Washington, confidence is high that he can navigate the process successfully and to the team's benefit.
Commanders should avoid offensive line temptation early in the 2025 NFL Draft
Douglas Fritz from Clutch Points implored the Commanders to avoid Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. with their first-round pick at No. 29 overall. The analyst highlighted the prospect's lack of prototypical length, coupled with the addition of Laremy Tunsil, as reasons Peters should address other position groups.
"There’s a lot of discussion with how the offensive line class will play out for the draft. But one thing is in consensus, and that’s a lack of arm length. [Kelvin] Banks, a Texas product, is part of a group of potential first-round picks that doesn’t hit the 34-inch arm length benchmark that NFL teams prefer. Now, it doesn’t mean Banks won’t be a good pro. But the Commadners shouldn’t spend a first-round pick at a position they don’t need for a guy who doesn’t hit the measurables. Plus, the Commanders trade for Laremy Tunsil means they no longer need to look hard at the tackle position for the draft."Douglas Fritz
Peters will take everything into account. He'll entertain moving back if the right offer comes along. The progressive front-office leader also wants to take the best prospects available regardless of need.
Banks is a decent player. He's got some outstanding college production under his belt with the physical scope to improve further. There are concerns from a technical standpoint, but the correct early development should see him emerge as a starter in no time.
There's a chance Banks might be gone by the time Washington goes on the clock. Peters isn't in a position to trade up for anybody after sacrificing substantial assets for Marshon Lattimore, Deebo Samuel Sr., and Tunsil in recent months. It's a waiting game, but the Commanders will have several plans in place and some extra contingencies for every possible scenario that could befall them.
An explosive edge rusher, cornerback, running back, or even another wide receiver could take priority over the offensive line. It's also worth noting that the Commanders remain confident in Brandon Coleman's outlook despite acquiring Tunsil.
The second-year pro will switch to the right-hand side to partner with Andrew Wylie until Sam Cosmi is ready to return. If everything goes well, this could be Washington's right tackle for years to come.
No team should ever settle along the offensive line. But the Commanders have other pressing priorities with their early draft picks.
If they had more assets, it would be different. That's not the case.
Not yet, anyway.