Who is Washington picking in 2025?
The Washington Commanders are entering season two of the Adam Peters/Dan Quinn/Jayden Daniels era, and the team needs to make improvements to a lot of positions. The Combine is over and free agency has given way to draft season. Washington was active in re-signing their own players, and filling other spots via trades and free agency.
It’s been almost a little over a week since our last mock draft roundup and we had a little insight into Washington’s thinking as GM Adam Peters and HC Dan Quinn spoke to the media at the NFL owners meetings in Florida this week. Peters said all options are on the table, but it would take the right value for them to trade down, and possibly out of the first round. He was clear that the team is looking to improve and add talent in any way they can, and that was evident in their trades for Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil, leaving them with five picks in this year’s draft.
This week’s breakdown has more options on offense with a few more wide receivers and running backs. The offensive line is still lagging behind the other positions in first round selections, and that could play out as the value disappears near the end of Day 1.
EDGE/DE is still the most popular pick for the Washington Commanders by far, and we’re up to eight different options to choose from this week. Dominic Ezeiruaku was Washington’s most popular pick last month, but James Pearce Jr is the pick of the week with ten different mock drafts having him going to Washington at No. 29.
We have our first trade up, and it’s for a popular defensive player that Washington is likely interested in adding to the team. And we’ve got two options for the trade down purists.
Position breakdown:
WR – 5
TE – 1
RB – 3
OT – 2
OG – 1
CB – 3
S – 1
LB – 1
EDGE/DE – 8
DL – 2
Trade up – 1
Trade down – 2
Washington Commanders 2025 NFL Draft Picks
Round 1 – #29
Round 2 – #61
Round 4 (via HOU) – #128
Round 6 – #205
Round 7 (from DEN via PHI) – #245
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
NFL.com(Davis)
The WR room is undergoing quite the makeover in D.C. It started with the Deebo Samuel trade, and Egbuka will quickly show he’s someone QB Jayden Daniels can depend on.
Walter Football(Campbell)
Deebo Samuel is nearing the end of his contract, and the Commanders could use more weapons for Jayden Daniels.
In 2023, Egbuka had 81 catches for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns. The 6-foot-1, 205-pounder turned in 74 receptions for 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2022. He emerged as a potential No. 1 receiver or really good No. 2 wideout. At other schools, Egbuka would have had an even bigger year, but he was the No. 2 receiver for Ohio State across from Marvin Harrison Jr. While injuries were a factor in 2023, Egbuka needs a bounce-back season in 2024 as he looked much faster in 2022 compared to his 2023 performance. Thus far in 2024, Egbuka has 70 catches for 896 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Round 2: Jonah Savaiinaea, OT, Arizona
Washington could use more right tackle talent.
Savaiinaea broke into the starting lineup at right tackle in 2022 and immediately was a solid contributor for the Wildcats. As a sophomore in 2023, Savaiinaea was even better teaming with Jordan Morgan to give Arizona an effective tackle tandem. Savaiinaea is not as good of an athlete as Morgan, but Savaiinaea is stronger, nastier, and looks to finish off defenders. Some area scouts are grading Savaiinaea on day two and think he should move inside to guard in the NFL. Other sources think he could be a late one and a good starting guard in the NFL. Thus, Savaiinaea is a bit of a love/hate prospect.
SB Nation(Dator)
It’s all about pouring more gas on the fire for the Commanders, and that means getting more weapons. The addition of Deebo Samuel will certainly take pressure off Terry McLaurin to do everything, but adding Emeka Egbuka as the third receiver would be a huge addition — and he can be a plus-level slot receiver as a rookie.
Fantasy Pros(Janvrin)
Washington brought in Deebo Samuel. The addition of Emeka Egbuka would make for a starting trio of Terry McLaurin, Samuel and Egbuka.
Sign me up.
Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
NFL.com(Brooks)
The motivation to build around 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels could prompt the Commanders to take a playmaker early.
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
CBS Sports(Prisco)
They traded for Deebo Samuel, but he’s playing the last year of his deal. They need a young receiver to help grow with Jayden Daniels. McMillan is a big-bodied receiver who would help.
NFL Spin Zone(Bedinger)
And so ends the fall of Tetairoa McMillan in this 2025 NFL Mock Draft. It’s going to be very interesting to see how McMillan is perceived by NFL teams next month because there are such wide-ranging opinions about his game. Because of his size, some people have compared him to Drake London and Mike Evans. Then there are some who say he’s more along the lines of Courtland Sutton.
Either way, I think he would be a nice value here and a good complement to the wide receiver room currently being assembled by Adam Peters for young superstar quarterback Jayden Daniels.
The Commanders landed Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil in trades already this offseason, knocking a couple of major items off the to-do list. Getting McMillan to complete the receiver room and add a big body with a wide catch radius for Daniels would set this offense up nicely.
Round 2: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
Round 4: Sai’vion Jones, EDGE, LSU
Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri(Draft profile)
The 33rd Team(Crabbs)
Washington is sitting pretty. It addressed left tackle with the trade for Laremy Tunsil and acquired Deebo Samuel to help its young quarterback going into Year 2.
However, Samuel is a short-term fix, and Burden has the big-play ability to be an explosive play monster playing with Jayden Daniels, as Terry McLaurin occupies a lot of attention from opposing defenses.
NFL Spin Zone(Scataglia)
After trading for Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil to get deeper and more stout on offense, the Washington Commanders still want to surround Jayden Daniels with top-tier players to help him grow in year two. They’ll grab Luther Burden III from Missouri. Burden is insane with the ball in his hands and gives Daniels a third viable wide receiver to throw the ball to.
Could Washington make a Super Bowl run in the 2025 NFL Season? I would not rule it out.
Round 2: Marcus Mbow, OT, Purdue
After taking Luther Burden in the first round of this NFL Mock Draft, the Washington Commanders again add to the offensive side of the ball and take Marcus Mbow from Purdue. It is clear that GM Adam Peters is putting a huge emphasis on ensuring the offense is as good as possible for Jayden Daniels to make a massive year two leap.
They won 14 total games in 2024 and could be the best team in the NFC in 2025 and beyond. Daniels himself may already be the best quarterback in the NFC and could compete for the MVP next year if his GM puts these kind of offensive pieces around him.
Tre Harris, WR, Mississippi
Football Guys(Kluge)
Terry McLaurin is set to turn 30 this year. Zach Ertz is about to be 35. Deebo Samuel Sr., still 29 years old, is already starting to show severe signs of decline. What we saw from Jayden Daniels in his rookie season was electric. But frankly, he needs a better supporting cast of offensive weapons if he wants to continue on an upward trajectory. Tre Harris is a well-rounded and savvy wide receiver. He checked the marks for athleticism at the NFL Combine and is starting to creep up draft boards. On a per-route-run basis last year, no receiver in college football was more effective than Harris. He’s a developmental receiver who will need to expand his route tree in the NFL to reach his full potential. Ole Miss didn’t ask much of him besides slants and vertical balls. But with no dearth of capable veterans in Washington, Harris wouldn’t be expected to contribute immediately. Harris has the skill set to be Daniels’ long-term primary option with some development, and the Commanders can afford to take the time he may require.
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Walter Football
Another weapon for Jayden Daniels. The Redskins re-signed Zach Ertz, but he likely has just one or two years remaining in the NFL.
Colston Loveland made clutch catches during Michigan’s championship run. He projects as a decent blocker as well.
Round 2: Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford
The Redskins have nothing at receiver outside of Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel.
Elic Ayomanor is a tough receiver with good size.
Round 4: Donovan Edwards, RB, Michigan
The Redskins don’t have the best running game, so they could address this in the middle rounds.
Donovan Edwards has a great combination of size and speed.
TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State(Draft profile)
Pro Football Network(Enriquez)
The Washington Commanders had plenty of success in 2024, but one area that needs improvement is the run game outside of Daniels. Washington attempted to patch together its backfield with Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler, but neither provided a consistent spark.
TreVeyon Henderson is an explosive runner with excellent vision and agility. His quick change of direction stands out, along with his solid long speed. Henderson also ranks among the best in the class in explosive run rate.
The two concerns? His extensive injury history and pass-catching ability.
Henderson won’t be a liability in the passing game, but he won’t be Jahmyr Gibbs, either. Nevertheless, he fits perfectly in the Commanders’ system.
Round 2: Kevin Winston Jr., S, Penn State
Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Fantasy Points
The Commanders grab an elite running back to add to their already explosive offense. It’s another weapon for sophomore Jayden Daniels as they look to continue their success from last year.
Fantasy Points(Whitefield)
The idea of Hampton in this read-option, inside-zone, and duo-heavy scheme is frightening. The ways the Commanders can force favorable box counts mixed with Hampton’s ability to get downhill and talk with his pads would give an already good run game a little extra oomph.
Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee
CBS Sports(Fornelli)
You thought we were done with running backs, but we’re not! The offense Sampson played in at Tennessee isn’t all that dissimilar to the one Kliff Kingsbury will put him in, and what running back wouldn’t want to be lined up next to Jayden Daniels right now? So many open lanes for you to exploit.
Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State(Draft profile)
Last Word on Sports
Even after the trade for Laremy Tunsil, the Commanders add a brawler in the offensive line to keep Jayden Daniels safe.
Josh Conerly Jr, OT, Oregon State(Draft profile)
The 33rd Team(Valentino)
Landing Laremy Tunsil from Houston was a seismic move for Washington, but their efforts to improve can’t stop there. Right tackle Andrew Wylie is a stopgap option, and adding a viable long-term option must be a priority.
Josh Conerly Jr. belongs in this range as an athletic technician who has seen massive improvements over the last two years.
The Draft Network(Eisner)
The Commanders have met with Josh Conerly Jr. multiple times, and one has to wonder if they’re looking at him as a potential hole-filler a year or two down the road. Andrew Wylie is in the last year of his contract and with Brandon Coleman potentially holding down a guard spot with Laremy Tunsil now at left tackle, Conerly can be groomed to be the future starting right tackle in Washington.
Pro Football Network(Infante)
Jayden Daniels, Dan Quinn, and the Washington Commanders exceeded expectations in 2024. While they fell just short of the Super Bowl, a few more smart moves could push them over the top.
Josh Conerly Jr. is one of the most athletic offensive linemen in the class. His quick feet and pad level make him a strong pass protector.
Round 2: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State
The Commanders don’t have a massive need at running back, per se, but with that position also not being a strength, they could take advantage of a talented draft class.
Quinshon Judkins would be a strong addition to the Commanders’ backfield, as he has the ball-carrier vision and big-play speed to make him a threat just about any time he touches the ball.
Grey Zabel, OG, North Dakota State(Draft profile)
NFL Trade Rumors(Bouda)
Zabel was a standout player at the Senior Bowl this year and wound up testing very well at the Combine. He has experience at a number of offensive line spots so the Commanders could try him in a few spots and see where he ultimately sticks.
Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
ESPN(Tannenbaum)
Marshon Lattimore’s best days might be behind him, Emmanuel Forbes Jr. didn’t work out in Washington (cut last season) and Benjamin St-Juste signed with the Chargers. The Commanders did add Jonathan Jones and Noah Igbinoghene, but I’m still pursuing playmakers in the secondary. Hairston plays to his 4.28 timed speed and had six INTs and 13 pass breakups over the past two seasons. Give him time to develop, and the Commanders could have themselves a solid starter on the outside.
Fantasy Life(Nystrom)
In this class, cornerback thins out far sooner than RB and EDGE, two other big needs for the Commanders. Those can be saved for Day 2. After Hairston, the CB group drops to prospects with injury concerns (Benjamin Morrison and Shavon Revel) or on-field limitations/question marks.
Hairston ran the fastest 40-yard dash of any player at the NFL Combine, clocking a 4.28.
The 33rd Team(Brooke)
The Commanders need to keep bolstering their secondary, especially if Marshon Lattimore isn’t able to stay healthy. Maxwell Hairston would bring elite speed to Washington to keep up with even the most dangerous vertical threats in the league.
He would also bring fiery intensity to trigger downhill and try to make splash plays in run support despite his smaller frame.
Draft Wire(Popejoy)
Round 2: Bradyn Swinson, EDGE, LSU
Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina(Draft profile)
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel(Ostly)
Revel is a long, athletic corner who would be a fantastic fit for Dan Quinn’s coverage systems. Revel missed out on his senior season due to a torn ACL and if not for that, he’d likely go much higher thanks to his traits and thumping attitude in run defense.
Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss(Draft profile)
NFL.com(Zierlein)
Amos is a smooth-hipped corner with natural man-cover talent who would give the Commanders better size to match up on the outside.
CBS Sports (Trapasso)
After obtaining a fourth-round pick from Washington, along with a 2026 third-round pick in the trade back, the Vikings get a high-floor outside cornerback for Brian Flores’ defense.
Newsweek(Quinn)
The Commanders continue their push for true contender status by improving their secondary. They’ve already added to the offensive line and wide receiver room, so improving the defense should be a priority.
Nick Emmanwori S, South Carolina
E$PN+(Yates)
The Commanders added veteran defensive back Will Harris in free agency to replace Jeremy Chinn, but Emmanwori could have some appeal to their defensive staff, given Dan Quinn’s history of using safeties in creative ways. Emmanwori’s physical tools are off the charts; he ran a 4.38 in the 40 at the combine despite weighing 220 pounds. He also jumped 43 inches in the vertical. Emmanwori is a menace with the football in his hands and took two of his four interceptions to the house last season.
Round 2: Projected trade: Saints get their QB
One last trade. It’s getting late in Round 2, and only four quarterbacks have come off the board. New Orleans — which should be thinking about its future under center — might take the opportunity to flip an extra Day 3 selection to Washington to move up 10 picks and capitalize. The Commanders would hand over the No. 61 pick for a third-rounder (No. 71) and a fifth-rounder (No. 112). Washington has only five picks in this draft, so it would love any extra selections.
USA Today(Davis)
He has a freakish combination of size (6-3, 220) and athleticism (4.38 40, 43-inch vertical at the combine) and can cause havoc in the box or in coverage. And for a team that needs safety help, what better option than a player who resembles Kam Chancellor – a “Legion of Boom” veteran … like Washington LB Bobby Wagner and HC Dan Quinn.
Underdog Network(Winks)
Jeremy Chinn is out. Enter the bigger and faster version of him. Emmanwori’s instincts are mediocre for a position that needs them, but his physical tools are legitimately rare and allows him to initially be a step later than others. With more experience, he should be a well rounded player. I also trust HC Dan Quinn to have a special plan for him.
4 for 4(Noonan)
This is one of my favorite player/scheme fits in this entire class. No one plays more defensive snaps with a safety in the box than Commanders head coach Dan Quinn. Nick Emmanwori is a bigger, stronger, faster version of Jeremy Chinn, who departed for Las Vegas in free agency.
Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
College Football Network(Evans)
The Commanders have been aggressive in free agency — adding Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil — and even picking late in Round 1 they still land college football’s top inside linebacker.
Jihaad Campbell combines old‑school thump with safety‑level range; at 6’3″, 244 pounds, his sideline‑to‑sideline speed and instincts are exactly what Washington’s ascending defense needs.
Round 2: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
Fantasy Pros(Fitzmaurice)
James Pearce Jr, EDGE, Tennessee
The Athletic(Feldman)
With sack leader Dante Fowler Jr. gone to Dallas, Washington needs a jolt on the D-line, and the choice here is Pearce over Shemar Stewart, another combine freak. Pearce, at 6-5, 245, is smaller but more productive. His athleticism is elite, as he ran a 4.47 40 with a 1.56 10-yard split. He also broad-jumped 10-3.
During the past two seasons, Pearce has 27.5 TFLs and 17.5 sacks. Abdul Carter has similar size and burst, but line coaches who have studied both think the Penn State edge player is scarier.
“We felt like we could neutralize him with some chips and take him out,” one Power 4 offensive line coach said. “He wants no part of setting the edge and stopping the run. He reminds me a lot of (former Falcons first-rounder) Vic Beasley.”
“He’s got great get-off, but I think he’s very one-dimensional,” an SEC O-line coach said.
DraftTek
Under 30 days until the NFL draft, and after the top 4 picks, I don’t know if there’s been more uncertainty in any draft I can remember. I messaged an ex-scout this morning and he said that his buddies are confident in about 15 players that will go in the first, where they’re usually pretty confident in more than 25.
Part of the reason, they believe, is because after the two quarterbacks and 2 elite players in Ward/Sanders and Hunter/Carter respectively, a player you can get at 5 is only a slight upgrade from a player you can get at 50. While teams will want to trade out of the top 20 picks, they’ll have to do so at a massive discount as teams won’t be willing to give up much for a slight uptick in prospect.
So, this draft’s gunna stink, right? No! Actually, there is an astonishing amount of day two talent this year. The 3rd round will be chock full of 2nd-round players, the 4th round full of third round players, and so on.
And now let’s get to the point; Adam Peters cut his teeth as a college scout. The Draft is his baby. He traded away a whopping 7 draft picks in 3 weeks between late February and early March. You better believe he wants to trade down and recoup picks in the middle rounds where the truly exciting heart of this draft will be.
If the ‘Skins do stick-and-pick, I think EDGE is a safe bet. James Pearce Jr. looks like a basketball player from afar, as his 6’5” frame is nearly filled out at 245 lbs. He’s a linear pass-rusher, but his length should allow him to keep blockers off his pads against both the run and pass. Speed rushers without a tremendous amount of bend are a risk, but if they hit, they hit big.
Round 2: Ty Robinson, DT, Nebraska
Round 4: Caleb Ransaw, CB, Tulane
Round 6: Joe Evans, DT, UTSA
Round 7: Jalyn Smith, CB, USC
Sports Illustrated(Flick)
After entering the season as a likely top-10 pick, Pearce rode a rollercoaster of inconsistency and now finds his stock in flux. The 6’ 5”, 243-pounder is still, however, an explosive, productive pass rusher with a pair of first-team All-SEC honors under his belt. Pearce is a pure speed rusher with tremendous burst, and he totaled 17.5 sacks over the past two seasons.
Yahoo Sports(Tice/Robinson)
The Commanders have been using the trade market to add to their offense, so they look to the draft to help bolster their defense. Pearce is all about speed and joins a team, defense and head coach that loves to emphasize it.
CBS Sports(Stackpole)
The Commanders did a great job filling their biggest needs via trades and in free agency and now they address another one with their first draft pick. Over the past two seasons, James Pearce Jr. racked up 28 tackles for loss, 17.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
NBC Sports(Rogers)
Pearce is a speed rusher who often attacks like a power edge, making his projection a little foggy. I think Dan Quinn’s defensive staff is perfect to get the best version out of him and they still need edge pass rush help. Porter is as athletic as they come for a 6-3 corner, and he also blocked five kicks throughout his college career.
Round 2: Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
Athlon Sports(Easterling)
Trading away both Montez Sweat and Chase Young left Washington without a high-impact edge rusher, and this year’s loaded class is the perfect opportunity to fill that need. Pearce is a streaky player with some boom-or-bust to his projection, but he’s got tons of explosiveness and the ability to take over games.
Round 2: Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State
Round 4: Bhayshul Tuten | RB | Virginia Tech
College Football Network(Jones)
The Commanders’ edge rush room is still sparse, and it should be an area they look to add early and often in the 2025 NFL Draft. James Pearce Jr. would be a steal this late on in the first round as off-field concerns continue to plague his current draft outlook in the media.
However, his pass-rushing gifts are undeniable. Pearce is an elite athlete who brings rare, twitchy movement to the field. The Volunteers’ edge rusher bursts out of his stance and has highly rated flexibility and bend to attack inside and out.
Round 2: Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami
Elijah Arroyo only had 35 receptions in 2024, but his 590 yards and seven touchdowns showcase a potential mismatch playmaker at the next level. The Miami tight end is an exceptional athlete and runs fluid routes to form a formidable young tight end tandem with Ben Sinnott.
Round 4: Sebastian Castro, CB, Iowa
Round 6: Jalen Rivers, OT, Miami
Round 7: Aiden Williams, OL, Minnesota Duluth
Sportsnaut(Johnson)
The Washington Commanders seemingly ignored their pass-rushing situation in free agency, suggesting it will be targeted often in the 2025 NFL Draft. Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. will be a pass-rushing specialist as a rookie, but his speed and explosiveness off the edge can wreak havoc in that role. Commanders’ head coach Dan Quinn has also had plenty of success maximizing his pass rusher’s skill sets and Pearce Jr. could be his next great success story.
Fantasy Life(Freedman)
Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
NBC Sports Philadelphia(Roche)
Dante Fowler is gone, Jonathan Allen is gone. The pass rush cupboard is bare. Washington goes shopping to refill it and nail the pick with Green, prolific (FBS-leading 27 sacks), athletic, plus stronger than he looks.
Pro Football Network(Weissman)
The Washington Commanders were rumored to have an interest in Garrett, suggesting that they believed they must improve their pass rushers. This is the sweet spot in the draft where adding a pass rusher and still getting good value makes sense.
Marshall’s Mike Green was among the best players at the Senior Bowl and helped boost his stock to the first round. He may have played at a lower competition level, but this prospect has excellent potential. As a quick and bendy edge defender, look for Green to excel on third downs early in his career.
Round 2: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
Aireontae Ersery is a mammoth of a man who is a three-year starter at left tackle for Minnesota. He has very good length and power but struggles to bend at times. He would be a nice addition to the Commanders’ offensive line as they continue to build to protect Jayden Daniels.
Round 4: Cobee Bryant, CB, Kansas
Round 6: Tim Smith, DT, Alabama
Round 7: Antwane Wells Jr., WR, Ole Miss
Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College
CBS Sports(Edwards)
To Washington’s credit, it has been able to find some plug-and-play veterans to fill premium positions but it needs to identify pieces to its future on defense. Donovan Ezeiruaku is a key part to that vision.
Sporting News(Iyer)
The Commanders need to further replenish their pass rush for Dan Quinn. Ezeiruaku has great burst in that aspect and can grow vs. the run.
Round 2: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Texas
The Commanders got Laremy Tunsil to play left tackle, but they can develop Ersery’s huge athletic frame to potentially replace shaky right tackle Andrew Wylie.
Round 4: Tommi Hill, CB, Nebraska
Round 6: Donovan Edwards, RB, Michigan
Round 7: Bru McCoy, WR, Tennessee
Tankathon
Nic Scourton, DE, Texas A&M(Draft profile)
CBS Sports(Podell)
With Dante Fowler Jr., Washington’s 2024 sacks leader with 10.5, returning to the Cowboys, the Commanders need to acquire a young edge rusher. Enter Nic Scourton. He’s 6-4 and 285 pounds with a strong spin move while also being solid against the run. His 29 tackles for loss since 2023 are tied for the eighth most in the country, and he’ll be 20 years old on draft night. He’ll fit well with the NFC runner-ups.
Fox Sports(Schwartz)
The Commanders will add a defensive end who can be aggressive to stop the run with an explosive and electric capability to rush the passer.
For the Win(D’Andrea)
Scourton’s jump from Purdue to Texas A&M didn’t unlock stardom, but the Aggies’ defense was a stacked lineup of blue chip defenders whose overall competence dulled everyone’s counting stats. He’s still the guy who led the Big Ten with 10 sacks in 2023, all of which came against Power 4 opponents.
He’s a three-down presence who uses his size and power to reconfigure linemen and force opponents to improvise mid-play. He may never be a dynamic speed rusher, but he’s a monster at the point of contact with the agility to cut inside and chase down quarterbacks.
Bleacher Nation(Rooney)
The Commanders had a pretty solid free agency period, but getting to the quarterback is still a need they must address. Nic Scourton was a monster at Texas A&M, and his all-around skill set would be a big addition for them up front.
Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia(Draft profile)
FTN Fantasy(Randle)
Edge rusher in the No. 1 need for Washington. Easier to find wide receivers later in the draft or via free agency.
Sky Sports(Simpson)
Washington have made huge offensive moves this offseason, so they go defense early in the draft.
Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
E$PN+(Miller)
The Commanders have undergone defensive line changes this offseason, with longtime starting defensive tackle Jonathan Allen departing and Javon Kinlaw being added. But Washington still needs a premier outside pass rusher, and Stewart has the traits to be great. The 6-5 Stewart put on a show at the combine after losing 14 pounds from the Senior Bowl (281 to 267), running a 4.59 40 while leaping 40 inches in the vertical and 10 feet, 11 inches, in the broad jump.
He has the length, speed and power of an All-Pro, but he must learn how to turn his traits into production. He had only 4.5 sacks in three college seasons (1.5 each year), and his run defense impact doesn’t jump off the tape. He’s the ultimate upside prospect with double-digit sack potential. Stewart would be a huge steal here if he can put everything together, but the disconnect between his measurables and his on-field production could cause him to fall to this point.
Round 2: Kevin Winston Jr., S, Penn State
The Commanders signed Will Harris in free agency but should add even more to the secondary. Winston has the big-hitter mentality that an NFL strong safety needs. He lacks experience and polish and missed much of this past season with a torn ACL, but his tape shows an elite-level tackler who rarely misses when running at angles or in alleys. He has the size to consistently hold his ground against tight ends and will fight for the ball in traffic. Winston has starter traits with potential to develop as a playmaker.
Round 4: Trevor Etienne, RB, Georgia
Round 6: Tommi Hill, CB, Nebraska
Round 7: Ricky White III, WR, UNLV
Touchdown Wire(Bailey)
Dan Quinn looks up and down his roster as the Commanders’ time on the clock begins.
“Am I allowed to just draft someone who used to play for the Cowboys?” Quinn asks. Adam Peters quickly chimes in.
“No, no, we have enough old Cowboys, and I’m quite sure you can’t draft DeMarcus Lawrence, he’s a Seahawk. But there is an edge rusher from Texas A&M who is pretty good. That’s close enough to Dallas.”
Pro Football Network(Decker)
The Commanders find themselves in a position to take the best player available, especially when it aligns with a position of relative need.
Stewart was the belle of the ball at the NFL Scouting Combine, running a 4.59 40-yard dash, broad jumping 10’11”, and vertical jumping 40” at 6’5” and 267 pounds. He is one of only three prospects in this draft class to score a perfect 10.0 on the RAS metric. These impressive feats showcase his elite athleticism.
It’s important to acknowledge that while Stewart possesses impressive physical traits, his production has yet to meet expectations. In three years with the Aggies, he recorded just 4.5 sacks. As a high-risk, high-reward prospect, Stewart has all the physical tools to succeed at the NFL level, and the hype surrounding him is certainly warranted. However, he is likely to be selected earlier than his production suggests he should be.
Round 2: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas
NFL.com(Edholm)
Perhaps this is a surprising name to some here, but Jackson’s elite length and athletic explosion could upgrade Washington’s edge group. His traits would work in a Dan Quinn defense and match many of the benchmarks the 49ers looked for when Commanders GM Adam Peters was scouting there.
Clutch Points(Crean)
The Commanders were yet another team that addressed the offensive line in the free agency period, so they too can turn their attention toward defense, as they do in this 2025 NFL Mock Draft. With Landon Jackson, the Commanders get an edge rusher with an intriguing build and potential who could turn into a centerpiece on this defense.
Oluwafemi Oladejo, EDGE, UCLA(Draft profile)
Fantasy Pros(Erickson)
Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon
CBS Sports(Wilson)
Derrick Harmon is what I’d describe as “country strong” because when you see him bull rush an interior OL into the QB’s lap and then throw him out of the club, it gets your attention. He’s consistently a load on the inside, in part because of power, low pad level and the aforementioned bull rush. He doesn’t have a variety of pass-rush moves but doesn’t need them. Versus the run he can struggle if he plays too high, but when he’s locked in he’s a game-wrecker. After all, Harmon had 40 pressures on the season, including eight(!) against Boise State.
Dallas Morning News(Watkins)
The NFC East is putting a value on defensive and offensive lines thanks to what the Eagles have done. The Commanders are stepping up here with Harmon. He’s a strong run stopper.
USA Today(Dragon)
The 6-foot-4 defensive tackle has impressive size, length and strength. He produced 45 tackles and five sacks for the Ducks last year. The Commanders parted ways with two-time Pro Bowl DT Jonathan Allen this offseason.
Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss
247 Sports(Pearson)
The Washington Commanders add another piece to the defensive line with the selection of Walter Nolen.
Trade up
Fox Sports(Vacchiano)
Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College
There are only a few first-round edge rushers left at this point, and the Commanders know that is by far their biggest need after losing their sack leader, Dante Fowler, to the Dallas Cowboys. So, if they want one, they’ll have to get ahead of the Detroit Lions (at No. 28) who clearly want one, too. Ezeiruaku likely won’t be the sack machine in the NFL that he was in college, but Washington coach Dan Quinn will find a way to make him a dangerous part of their rush.
Trade down
Pro Football Focus(Wasserman)
Trade terms: Titans receive No. 29 pick(Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri); Commanders receive No. 35 pick and No. 103 pick
Sharp Football Analysis(Donahue)
Trade terms: New England sends picks 38, 106, and 237 to Washington for the 29th overall selection(Matthew Golden, WR, Texas).