The 2025 NFL Draft is critical for the Washington Commanders. DC had a magical season in 2024. They finally found a young quarterback, won 12 games for the first time in 20 + years, and were part of the final four teams in the NFL.
General Manager Adam Peters has been very aggressive this offseason, trading for left tackle Laremy Tunsil and Wide Receiver Deebo Samuel. Last offseason’s draft was very successful. Peters will need to repeat that performance if the Commanders are to continue competing in the highly competitive NFC East. Here is our 2025 NFL Draft Preview for the Washington Commanders
Washington Commanders 2025 NFL Draft Picks
The Washington Commanders have 5 draft picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.
- Round 1: No. 29 overall
- Round 2: No. 61 overall
- Round 4: No. 128 overall (from Houston)
- Round 6: No. 205 overall
- Round 7: No. 245 overall
The Washington Commanders drafted Rookie of the Year Quarterback Jayden Daniels in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He has completely changed the franchise’s fortunes. The commanders also nabbed some very nice pieces in the later rounds. Second-round Defensive Back Mike Sanistril was a nice addition, as was third-round Receiver Luke McCaffrey. Peters used some of his draft capital earlier this offseason when he acquired Samuel and Tunsil. He will have to make his remaining NFL Draft picks count.
Team Needs
The Washington Commanders defensive roster does have some holes in it. Edge Rusher is the biggest. Washington attempted to sign Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, and DeMarcus Lawrence this offseason. They were unsuccessful but recognized pass rushers as their largest area of need. The secondary graded out to be one of the league’s worst last season. Help is needed there as well. The Commanders return team captain Bobby Wagner, but youth and depth are lacking in that position.
The Washington Commanders have invested heavily in the offense this offseason. Samuel is in the back half of his career, and there are health and injury concerns this season. Drafting a receiver or tight end to pair with Daniels is an obvious strategy. Peters probably does not have enough draft capital left to pull off a trade for Penn State all-world Tight End Tyler Warren. That would be a dream scenario on offense for Commanders fans.
Mock Draft
- Round 1: No. 29 overall: Donovan Ezeiruaku EDGE Boston College
- Round 2: No. 61 overall: Aireontae Ersery OT Minnesota
- Round 4: No. 128 overall (from Houston): Cobee Bryant CB Kansas
- Round 6: No. 205 overall: Jack Sawyer EDGE Ohio State
- Round 7: No. 245 overall: Antwane Wells Jr. WR Ole Miss
Mock Draft Analysis
Defense is the name of the game for the Washington Commanders in the 2025 NFL Draft. Ezeiruaku is the type of explosive pass rusher that Head Coach Dan Quinn loves to feature in his system. Bryant is a versatile secondary piece, and could probably start out of the nickel slot for Washington in Week 1. Sawyer had great production at Ohio State and is considered a safer, low-floor draft pick.
On offense, Esery provides the Commanders more protection for Daniels, who was running for this life at times last season. Daniels’ worst stretch of the season last year was when he was dealing with a rib injury. Keeping him healthy is the top priority for the Commander’s offense. Wells has jaw-dropping athleticism. Despite a drop in production in his final year in college, he could be the steal of the late rounds in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Final Thoughts
This necessary investment in pass rushers and the secondary should help the defense become more dynamic this season. They will need it to compete with the reigning Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles and the reloaded Dallas Cowboys in the NFC East.
Even though he is long gone from the organization, Washington has continued to build as if Daniel Snyder is in charge this offseason, acquiring aging veterans instead of younger talent or saving their draft capital. It remains to be seen if this strategy will result in a shortcut to a title next season or a one-year blip of success.
