The Washington Commanders are gearing up for their NFC Championship game at the Philadelphia Eagles. But for general manager Adam Peters and others in the front office, building on this project's unbelievable start is firmly at the forefront.
Fans can scarcely comprehend what's unfolded within the Commanders over the last year. Peters did a remarkable job of resetting the professionalism and purpose in the front office. Dan Quinn spearheaded the locker room culture shift and they are one game away from the Super Bowl. Whatever happens at Lincoln Financial Field, the future is bright in Washington.
The Commanders are well-placed to make additional improvements to the playing personnel this offseason. Peters has almost $100 million in salary-cap space at his disposal and Washington is an attractive destination once again. They also have seven draft selections to strengthen starting positions or improve depth.
Washington is picking lower down the pecking order than most, which is an unusual feeling. However, fans can relax safe in the knowledge that they have a shrewd talent evaluator and draft board manipulator in Peters leading the charge.
Commanders select Nic Scourton in Mel Kiper Jr.'s first mock draft
Some needs are clearer than others right now, although this will change once the Commanders navigate free agency. Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN took a shot at what Washington might do in his first mock draft of the 2025 cycle. The respected analyst went with edge rusher Nic Scourton, who could provide an explosive piece opposite Dorance Armstrong Jr. on the defensive front.
"The Commanders are picking this late (and possibly later) largely because they got immediate star power from their 2024 first-round pick: quarterback Jayden Daniels. Can they take another step forward by acing their 2025 first-round selection? Scourton plays with power. And while he can get to the quarterback as a pass rusher (5 sacks), I really like this fit because of his run defense. Washington was chewed up for 4.8 yards allowed per rush this season, 28th in the league. But Scourton has the strength to set an edge against the run, and he finished the season with 14 tackles for loss and 11 run stops."Mel Kiper Jr.
Adding to the team's pass-rushing options wouldn't be the worst idea in the world. The Commanders are low enough in the order to make their first-round pick expandable if Peters wants to go after a big name with proven production in the trade market. If not, then this is a deep class of defensive linemen emerging from the college ranks.
Scourton has an NFL-ready physique and the production to match. The Texas A&M prospect can line up on the edge or as a 3-technique on the interior depending on the situation. He sets the edge well against the run, displaying solid hand placement and play recognition before closing quickly to the contact point with ruthless aggression.
That's arguably Scourton's biggest positive. His explosiveness and top-end speed are extraordinary for a man his size. His numbers dropped this season with the Aggies, but the potential remains untapped.
Once the edge presence learns how to cope with double teams more effectively and adds to his pass-rushing arsenal, a productive NFL career won't be too far behind. Whether that's with the Commanders or elsewhere remains to be seen, but there are far worse avenues Peters could go down that's for sure.
Before then, the Commanders have a championship to win.