Analyst highlights 2025 NFL Draft prospect Commanders should watch

All eyes are focused on the Washington Commanders' training camp preparations as the 2024 season draws closer. However, general manager Adam Peters' new-look front office is already turning their attention to the second offseason of his dramatic rebuild next spring.

The Commanders turned over almost half their roster during a busy few months with Peters leading the charge. He didn't think much of Ron Rivera's roster building and responded accordingly. There is a lot more to do, but everyone around the league is starting to look at Washington's football operation with a sense of respect that was sorely missing under Dan Snyder's ownership.

Peters wants to build through the draft and supplement any remaining needs from the veteran pool. These needs will become clearer as the campaign goes on, but fans can take a good guess as to what they might be looking at and how things stand currently.

One of the biggest questions surrounding the Commanders before competitive action resumes centers on the offensive tackle positions. Those in power are giving Andrew Wylie another shot on the right-hand side, but this has more to do with his contract status rather than any outstanding production during his first season with the organization.

Commanders urged to keep a close eye on offensive tackle Josh Simmons

Things look even more sketchy on rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels' blindside. Cornelius Lucas is slotted as the left tackle starter currently. Washington will give third-rounder Brandon Coleman every chance to win the job over camp, but it's not hard to see where the complications could arise if neither reaches the level anticipated.

If the edge protection falls flat in 2024, it'll be Peters' biggest need to address regardless of what goes on elsewhere. This was a sentiment echoed by Trevor Sikkema from Pro Football Focus, who named Ohio State's edge enforcer Josh Simmons as a prospect Washington should monitor closely during the upcoming college football campaign.

"We are double-dipping with [Josh] Simmons on this list. Washington fans weren’t thrilled with the fact that their team didn’t address the offensive tackle position until selecting TCU’s Brandon Coleman in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, although he could be a starter for the team one day. Simmons is about to enter his third straight season as a starter at left tackle, and I have been impressed by his blend of size, speed, length and technique throughout summer scouting."

- Trevor Sikkema, Pro Football Focus

Simmons ticks all the boxes. He's got the size and length normally associated with productive NFL offensive tackles. This is matched by outstanding footwork that allows him to mirror oncoming pass-rushers with minimal fuss.

The prospect's technique - especially critical areas such as hand placement - is coming on encouragingly. Providing there are no complications, this looks like a Day 1 starter with a decade-long upside. That's exactly what the Commanders need if Coleman doesn't develop sufficiently in the coming months.

A lot will happen before the 2025 NFL Draft assessment stage begins. The Commanders will alter their strategy depending on performance levels next season. Players will see their stocks rise and fall. Peters also has to navigate free agency beforehand.

There are too many uncertainties to say for sure which direction the Commanders will go at this extremely early stage. But the team's scouting department should circle Simmons as a player of interest nonetheless.