New 2025 Mock Draft has Commanders GM Adam Peters focusing on defense

We are a long way from determining where the Washington Commanders will stand or what they might need during the 2025 NFL Draft. But make no mistake, Adam Peters' new-look front office will already be conjuring scouting reports and identifying potential prospects of interest heading into the upcoming college football campaign.

The Commanders are in an interesting spot right now. They were one of the worst teams in the league last season as head coach Ron Rivera couldn't inspire his players in difficult circumstances with landmark alterations on the immediate horizon. Things look much more positive thanks to Peters' vast roster overhaul since taking the general manager position earlier this year.

Expectations are rising and many around the media believe the Commanders could become one of the NFL's surprise packages in 2024 if everything comes together quickly. Nobody is expecting miracles, but anything less than notable improvements would be disappointing in the face of renewed hope.

Commanders select Benjamin Morrison in 2025 mock draft

Just where this will leave the Commanders heading into the 2025 NFL Draft is anyone's guess. James Fragoza from Pro Football Network had Washington sitting at No. 8 overall in his early mock, which indicates a level of slight growth without quite impacting the postseason picture.

Instead of focusing on the offensive line or providing quarterback Jayden Daniels with another dynamic weapon in the passing game, Fragoza had the Commanders picking cornerback Benjamin Morrison, who could be the physical ballhawk in coverage Washington's secondary has lacked in recent years.

"Benjamin Morrison is a technician at corner, making up for a lack of elite physical traits. His feet are always moving, and he stays patient at the line and when backpedaling, only flipping his hips when necessary. Morrison’s nine career INTs highlight his ball skills, and his stinginess in man coverage allows defensive coordinators to get creative with the rest of the secondary."

Morrison looks destined for a productive NFL career if further strides are made during his final college season at Notre Dame. The gifted defensive back thrives in outside press situations. His footwork is exceptional and matched by eye-catching instincts that allow him to anticipate routes and turn opportunities into turnovers.

There is some refinement needed to progress against the run and tackling technique, but another year of competitive experience should assist greatly. Morrison should be among the first cornerbacks taken barring any unforeseen circumstances. This is also a draft class that looks especially deep on the defensive side of the football - something that won't go unnoticed by Peters as part of his long-term plans for contention.

Much will depend on how Emmanuel Forbes and Benjamin St-Juste perform under Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. If two outstanding developers of secondary talent cannot get a better tune out of the duo, the Commanders will be forced into drastic action. If they thrive under their guidance, then Peters could give both a reprieve and turn his attentions elsewhere for reinforcements.

A lot of hard work in terms of evaluations is ahead and plenty of twists will come when college and NFL games commence. After that, fans and Peters should have a broader perception of what more is needed to take things up a notch.

Morrison will be one of many prospects under the microscope. Whether he becomes a Commanders player remains to be seen.