Although there is a long way to go before the 2025 NFL Draft, scouts and front-office personnel will already be devising a shortlist of potential options based on their early assessments. The Washington Commanders want to build through the college selection process under new general manager Adam Peters. Getting ahead of the game from the analysis standpoint would go a long way to achieving this objective.
Peters received widespread praise for the way he navigated the 2024 process. The Commanders had an abundance of assets at their disposal after trading Montez Sweat and Chase Young before the 2023 deadline. He maximized the capital available by finding immediate difference-makers and intriguing development pieces with the scope to play a big role over time.
There are no sure things where the draft is concerned. Being prepared and covering every base heightens the chances of success. Looking at the way Peters went about his business and the enhancements made to Washington's front office throughout the offseason, hopes are high that this trend can continue in the coming weeks.
A lot can and will happen before assessments for the 2025 draft gather pace. Stocks will rise and fall during the upcoming college football campaign. The Commanders' needs will change based on performance levels under head coach Dan Quinn. Any predictions made at this juncture are sketchy at best, but it's fun to think about which prospects could be on Washington's radar.
The Commanders currently sit at No. 8 in Pro Football Network's draft order next spring. This indicates some improvement in their first season with Quinn leading the charge. It also highlights the hard work ahead to get Washington back among the contenders.
Using the simulator, we took a way-too-early look at which prospects could join the Commanders in a special seven-round 2025 NFL mock draft. This begins with a former teammate of Jayden Daniels with the potential to fill a huge need.
Commanders draft Will Campbell
- Offensive Tackle | LSU Tigers
- Round No. 1 | No. 8 overall
Jayden Daniels carries a significant amount of pressure on his shoulders. The Washington Commanders gave the quarterback a supreme vote of confidence this offseason by taking him No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. There's also a growing sense the franchise has something special on its hands with the Heisman Trophy winner following his smooth transition from college to the pros.
Daniels is gifted, but he cannot do it alone. If there was one thing that could potentially hold him back as a rookie, it's the offensive line.
Some improvements were made to the interior after the Commanders signed Tyler Biadasz and Nick Alegretti. Adam Peters did almost nothing to improve the team's edge options despite releasing veteran left tackle Charles Leno Jr. Unless third-rounder Brandon Coleman makes a better-than-anticipated jump, adding to the team's options in this critical area of the field is almost guaranteed next spring.
If the Commanders could get Daniels his former college teammate with their first-round pick, it represents the perfect scenario.
Will Campbell is arguably the best offensive tackle prospect in this class. The four-star high school recruit boasts NFL-ready size and length. This is matched by exceptional athleticism that defies a man his size.
A quick look at Campbell's game film showcases the eye-popping footwork he brings to the table. This allows him to mirror opposing edge rushers with minimal fuss - something reflected by the fact he's allowed just two sacks in more than 1,600 snaps throughout his stint with LSU so far.
His core functional strength and elite-level base make Campbell a difficult proposition to move off the block. He's also agile enough to make his presence felt at the second level on running plays when the opportunity arises.
There are very few flaws in Campbell's game. Learning how to cope better with pass-rushing countermoves would be beneficial at the next level, but this looks like a match made in heaven. Someone the Commanders should monitor closely when the college season commences.
Commanders draft Mykel Williams
- Edge Rusher | Georgia Bulldogs
- Round No. 2 | No. 40 overall
The Washington Commanders needed to fill the gaping void left by edge rushers Montez Sweat and Chase Young this offseason. They signed some veteran pieces who can help in the short term. Dorance Armstrong Jr. comes with a longer-term upside. Whether those in power did enough is another matter.
Regardless of how these new faces perform next season, the Commanders could use another explosive young presence. This is projected to be an exceptionally deep draft class for defensive linemen in 2025. That won't go unnoticed by general manager Adam Petters and his staff during their extensive assessments.
Mykel Williams could go much higher than this with a strong 2024 campaign. The athleticism and physical gifts flashed frequently over his first two seasons with the Georgia Bulldogs. Now is the time he must put everything together in a prominent leadership role.
Williams is a smooth mover, a slick pass-rusher, and can set the edge on running plays extremely well. He looks tailor-made to thrive in Dan Quinn's scheme provided there are no issues next season.
Commanders draft Davison Igbinosun
- Cornerback | Ohio State Buckeyes
- Round No. 3 | No. 72 overall
The Commanders have some questions to answer at the cornerback position in 2024. Their interior options should excel after those in power selected Mike Sainristil at No. 50 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. It's on the outside where potential complications could arise.
Benjamin St-Juste is entering a contract year and must improve for an extended stay. The jury is out on last year's first-rounder Emmanuel Forbes following a turbulent rookie campaign. Free-agent signing Michael Davis seems like a one-and-done deal based on his regression with the Los Angeles Chargers last time around.
Finding a potential shutdown presence will be among Washington's biggest needs next offseason if these concerns aren't alleviated. Someone like Davison Igbinosun could be worth considering if his transfer from Ole Miss to Ohio State goes off without a hitch.
Igbinosun has the size and length Dan Quinn looks for in his defensive backs. His speed is absolutely off the charts, matched by a physical approach that will go down well with NFL scouts.
Adding some muscle mass and becoming more effective in zone coverage is the next stage of Igbinosun's development. But there's a lot to like about his scope for further progress.
Commanders draft Tory Horton
- Wide Receiver | Colorado State Rams
- Round No. 4 | No. 105 overall
The Washington Commanders might be on the lookout for more wide receiver help next spring. Terry McLaurin is the only consistent performer. There's hope rookie Luke McCaffrey and Jahan Dotson can thrive within Kliff Kingsbury's offensive scheme, but it's something Adam Petters will monitor closely during the season before deciding on his next moves.
There's a growing sense that quarterback Jayden Daniels could be something special. Surrounding him with pass-catchers who can make plays consistently is only going to help his cause. Looking at Washington's current depth, acquiring another capable body from the college ranks in 2025 wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.
Tory Horton got off to an indifferent start over his two seasons at Nevada. Transferring to Colorado State brought the wideout to life, gaining 167 receptions for 2,267 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns from 2022-23.
This puts Horton on the radar of NFL teams. The prospect boasts outstanding ball-tracking skills downfield with enough speed to become a vertical threat. His on-field vision is encouraging and there's a lot to like about the player's ability to get off press coverage with minimal fuss.
Once the receiver develops his route tree and aggressiveness at the catch point, someone is going to have a good player on their hands.
Commanders draft Hudson Clark
- Safety | Arkansas Razorbacks
- Round No. 5 | No. 137 overall
The Commanders had great success with an Arkansas safety previously. Kamren Curl was a seventh-round selection who quickly became an integral part of the team's defense. It wasn't enough for Adam Peters to offer him a new deal, but Washington got much more than they bargained for with the defensive back during his four-year stint with the team.
Dan Quinn has an embarrassment of riches in the safety position in 2024. Jeremy Chinn, Darrick Forrest, and Quan Martin will be deployed heavily within his scheme. Percy Butler might improve and rookie Domonique Hampton is someone the coaching staff is high on.
No team gets anywhere by standing still. Hudson Clark boasts the athletic credentials to fit seamlessly into Quinn's scheme. It'll be interesting to see how the prospect fares in a genuine starting role during his fifth and final season with the Razorbacks in 2024.
This will determine where he'll be drafted. Clark's performed well when called upon. Taking his game to the next level will enhance his chances of being a mid-round pick.
Commanders draft Izavion Miller
- Offensive Line | Auburn Tigers
- Round No. 6 | No. 167 overall
As previously mentioned, the Washington Commanders have concerns surrounding their offensive tackle options heading into the campaign. Those in power seem happy enough with the options at their disposal. At the same time, it's not hard to see where problems could arise.
Cornelius Lucas and Andrew Wylie are slotted as the starting edge protection options. There's hope that Brandon Coleman can take on coaching quickly and establish himself at some stage during his rookie campaign. Aside from that, the cupboard is relatively bare aside from veteran Trent Scott.
Adding a development piece with the athletic scope to improve might be something the Commanders consider during the 2025 NFL Draft. Izavion Miller is a little rough around the edges, but his athleticism and length make him an intriguing option at this stage of the selection process.
Miller is a big-bodied offensive tackle who's incredibly difficult to get around. He's a mauler in the run game and held his own in pass protection more often than not last season. How much growth he displays with the Auburn Tigers next time around is something the Commanders and others around the NFL will be watching closely.
Commanders draft Joshua Farmer
- Defensive Line | Florida State Seminoles
- Round No. 6 | No. 173 overall
Not having a significant need at the defensive tackle position didn't stop the Commanders from drafting Johnny Newton at No. 36 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Expect general manager Adam Peters to do the same again if the right opportunity presents itself.
Jonathan Allen could be embarking on his final season with the Commanders unless he returns to the form of old. Daron Payne and Newton are long-term options. Phidarian Mathis and John Ridgeway III might also be surplus to requirements next spring looking at their respective career trajectories.
Joshua Farmer is an intriguing prospect. The versatile defensive lineman took his production up a notch at Florida State last season. His ability to be used in multiple alignments is something that should catch the attention of Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.
Farmer has the chance to propel his draft stock with another solid campaign. He looks like a great scheme fit with the right attitude to slot seamlessly into the Commanders' new way of thinking.