Who is Washington picking in 2025?
The NFL Draft is five days away, and we’ve got a fresh roundup of mock drafts to check out. Mel Kiper Jr leads the charge again this week with a two round mock draft that sees the Washington Commanders trading out of the first round. The Cleveland Browns trade up for Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart in a popular scenario for Commanders fans. There are eight other mock drafts that have Washington trading down, and there is a wide range of players that teams are targeting at #29, including OT, WR and S. Adam Peters has said they are looking for value in the draft, and that could mean trading up, down, or sticking at #29 and taking the best player available.
Defensive end/EDGE continues to be the most popular position mocked to the Washington Commanders. There are nine different options in this week’s roundup, with James Pearce Jr. and Donovan Ezeiruaku getting the most mentions(10). Defense has the most options with cornerback having the biggest amount of variety.
Offense gets some attention this week, with a focus on the skill players. Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka goes to Washington in six mocks this week, including the Athletic’s Dane Brugler. Matthew Golden has been out of reach for Washington in most mocks, but this week he gets picked by the Commanders four times. The speedy receiver from Texas would be another weapon for Jayden Daniels and Kliff Kingsbury to work with.
Position breakdown:
WR – 3
RB – 2
OT – 2
OG – 1
EDGE/DE – 9
DL – 1
CB – 4
S – 2
LB – 1
Trade down – 9
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
Trade down
E$PN+(Kiper/Yates)
Browns get: Nos. 29 and 128
Commanders get: Nos. 33 and 67
Yates: Mel, I think we need a trade here. Cleveland could look to trade back into the first round if the quarterback board falls the right way, and this is a good chance to do so.
Kiper: Makes a lot of sense to me. The Commanders would love an extra Day 2 pick.
Round 2(#33): Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College
Ezeiruaku would be terrific value at the top of the second round — he could easily climb into the 20s as one of the best pure pass rushers in the class. He had 16.5 sacks last season, and his 65 pressures led the nation.
Round 2(#61): Jacob Parrish, CB, Kansas State
Parrish is tough, feisty and extremely fast. Benjamin St-Juste is gone, and Marshon Lattimore has battled some injuries, so getting another corner should be a focus for Washington.
Round 3(#67):Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
More backfield depth makes sense for the Commanders, and Johnson would bring a good blend of size and power. His 1,537 rushing yards ranked seventh in the FBS last season.
Rotowire(Bartel)
49ers trade No. 43, No. 138 and fourth-round pick next year for Commanders No. 29(Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State)
The Commanders probably stay pat if I’m being truthful, but general manager Adam Peters has ties to the 49ers of course, and the teams already executed the Deebo Samuel trade earlier this offseason. I’m of the opinion that Washington’s postseason run last year was a bit flukey, and continuing to be patient and build the totality of the roster makes sense. I also have the 49ers overpaying a bit in this scenario because there’s little incentive to trade out, and they have a glut of conditional picks over the next two drafts to play with.
Of all the trades projected, I don’t really know if this one makes a lot sense, but I wanted to shoot my shot so to speak with San Francisco’s usual draft aggressiveness. Simmons suffered a non-contact patella injury in October that required surgery, and the thought is the Ohio State tackle probably won’t be available Week 1. That would hinder his draft value to a lot of teams, but I think the 49ers are uniquely poised to withstand such a loss, but also have a clear need at improving the tackle position over time. Jumping ahead of the Eagles and Chiefs, who are always candidates to draft offensive line, is part of the onus for this trade up, but it’s also a relatively cheap price to pay to get a cornerstone tackle for at least four years.
NFL Trade Rumors(Ulrich)
Trade down with the New England Patriots(Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona)
Round 2(#38): Nic Scourton, DE, Texas A&M(Draft profile)
The Commanders made several blockbuster moves this offseason but the one area they haven’t addressed in that fashion yet is edge rusher. Scourton is an interesting projection, as it’s not clear what his best weight as a pro is. What is clear is that he’s a quality athlete and football player who can make a lot of things work. Commanders HC Dan Quinn has a history of getting the best out of players and there could be a lot there with Scourton.
Round 2(#61): Wyatt Milum, G, West Virginia
Washington’s offensive line over-achieved last year and played a big role in how the team exceeded expectations as a whole. But the Commanders made it clear with the trade for LT Laremy Tunsil they wouldn’t just be content with the status quo, and they could look for additional reinforcements in the draft. Milum was a college tackle who will move inside to guard in the NFL due to a lack of length. He makes up for it with tenacity, however.
CBS Sports(Fornelli)
Trade down with the New Orleans Saints who select Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
Going after a QB at nine didn’t make sense for the Saints, but trading back into the end of the first round to get one would. The Saints get Dart whom they could groom for a year behind Derek Carr (or start if Carr isn’t healthy) while the Commanders add picks (they only have five).
CBS Sports(White)
Trade down with the Philadelphia Eagles who select Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Intra-division trades do happen in the draft, even in the first round — who can forget the draft day sequence that saw the Eagles hop the Giants for DeVonta Smith by trading with the Cowboys, who got the last laugh with Micah Parsons two picks later? This is lower stakes with the two top NFC East contenders swapping places as the Eagles trade No. 134 to move up three spots for their latest Georgia defender despite being favored to go DL/edge first.
SiriusXM(Kirwan/Miller)
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) April 12, 2025
Round 2(#34): Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Round 2(#61): Ozzy Trapilo, OT, Boston College
Pro Football Network(Bearman)
Cleveland trades No. 33 and a 2026 third-round pick to Washington for No. 29(Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss)
Football Guys(Song)
Trade down with the Cleveland Browns who select Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
Daily Press(Vosburg)
Trade down with the Denver Broncos who select Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State(Draft profile)
The Athletic(Brugler)
It was hard to pass on Donovan Ezeiruaku, who would fill a big need for the Commanders at pass rusher. But the idea of adding a polished receiver such as Egbuka would be an appealing option — and would move Washington one step closer to an all-Ohio State receiving depth chart.
Round 2: Oluwafemi Oladejo, EDGE, UCLA(Draft profile)
Round 4: DJ Giddens, RB, Kansas State
Round 6: Jackson Kaiser, LB, Notre Dame
Round 7: Jonah Monheim, OL, USC
CBS Sports(Renner)
Egbuka may not be Terry McLaurin, but he doesn’t have to be in the offense. He’s a reliable number two and plus run-blocker.
Round 2: Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State
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.
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.
Emeka Egbuka is a sturdy, reliable receiver with good hands and quick lateral movements as both a route runner and a ball carrier. Don’t let the hype around his past and current Buckeyes teammates fool you; Egbuka’s tape looks the part of a future NFL starting wide receiver.
Round 2: Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
After going offense in the first round of this 2025 NFL Mock Draft, it could make sense for the Commanders to invest in their secondary in Round 2.
He may be raw as a processor in coverage, but the upside with Darien Porter is immense. A former wide receiver at the college level, he has tremendous length and ball skills with the raw track speed to give him physical tools worth developing.
Round 4: David Walker, EDGE, Central Arkansas
Round 6: Marcus Yarns, RB, Delaware
Round 7: Rayuan Lane III, S, Navy
NFL Spin Zone(Scataglia)
Emeka Egbuka on the Washington Commanders feels like a logical fit. They also traded for Deebo Samuel, so the WR room now has a three-headed monster featuring Egbuka, Samuel, and Terry McLaurin.
VSiN(Youmans)
Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
NFL Spin Zone(Bedinger)
The Washington Commanders stay put with the 29th overall pick and still somehow manage to land arguably the best wide receiver in the class. Matthew Golden worked primarily out of the slot for the Texas Longhorns but flashed “go-to” abilities. He’s got outstanding long speed, great hands, and he’s tough. He’s a reliable target and someone Jayden Daniels will be able to trust in big spots. The Commanders already traded for Deebo Samuel to add to their offensive weaponry, but they can’t pass on this value.
Round 2: Jordan Burch, EDGE/DL, Oregon
Sports Illustrated(Joyce)
Edge is on the board here, but Washington currently has Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel on expiring deals heading into 2025. Golden provides another weapon to an offense that featured last year’s rookie of the year. Add 4.29 speed is never a bad thing either.
Fantasy Pros(Janvrin)
The Commanders traded for Deebo Samuel, but I do have questions regarding how much longer he can hold up. The Commanders could use another outside receiver in place of Noah Brown. The Commanders don’t have a speed threat with Dyami Brown leaving, and Golden fills that need as the team pushes to have even more success in 2025.
New York Post(Serby)
A 4.29 flyer to replace Dyami Brown for Jayden Daniels.
Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State
Pro Football Focus(Wasserman)
Adding another weapon like Jayden Higgins — who earned a perfect 99.9 intermediate receiving grade last season — would give Jayden Daniels the ability to consistently attack all three levels of the defense. Terry McLaurin could continue stretching the field as a deep threat, while Deebo Samuel thrives underneath with yards after the catch. Higgins’ ability to win in isolation would bring yet another dynamic element to an already dangerous offense.
TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State(Draft profile)
Sports Illustrated(Harrison)
The Commanders continue to ensure quarterback Jayden Daniels is well-supported. So at the end of the first round, Washington gets a back with three-down potential who is the best pass protector in his group.
College Football Network(Jones)
TreVeyon Henderson adds a splash of stardust to the Commanders’ high-performing offense. The Ohio State running back has explosive speed, instant change of direction, and sudden movement, meaning He could hit a home run on any down.
Henderson is also the best pass-protecting back in this class and is a clean receiver who takes care of the football.
Round 2: Bradyn Swinson, EDGE, LSU
Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Yahoo Sports(Tice/Robinson)
This might feel like a luxury pick given the Commanders’ needs elsewhere, but they would have some serious horsepower on offense with the addition of Hampton. He has been a star of the draft process coming off the backs of a dominant season running the ball for UNC. Hampton paired with Jayden Daniels would give the Commanders a chance to repeat last season and cement themselves as an elite running team for years to come.
NFL Spin Zone(Bedinger)
If the Washington Commanders are sitting there with the 29th overall pick and a chance to select Omarion Hampton, they’d probably be wondering if they were living in a simulation instead of reality.
How could this even be possible?
Hampton is considered one of the best offensive weapons in this class. The Commanders might actually have to trade up to get him if they want him, but he would be a stellar pickup for this offense late in round one.
Hampton is one of the best backs in this class at creating yardage after contact, and that’s saying something considering this class also includes the likes of Ashton Jeanty and Kaleb Johnson, two absolute demons at creating yardage after contact.
He would work so well with Jayden Daniels and give this Commanders offense yet another dynamic weapon to run up the scoreboard this coming season. How would you stop a running game with Hampton and Daniels leading the way?
Round 2: Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State
Sportskeeda(Pauline)
With the top pass rushers off the board, the Commanders add a weapon on offense.
Round 2: Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State
NJ.com(Novozinsky)
Washington’s high-powered offense gets even better.
Fantasy Sports on SI(Brandon)
I believe Hampton is the second-best running back in this year’s draft class behind Ashton Jeanty and although the Commanders have other holes on the roster, this pick could put Washington’s offense over the top. Hampton is extremely talented in between the tackles with great vision, solid pass protection skills, and is a monster once he gets the ball in space. With Jayden Daniels under center, Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel on the outside, and Hampton in the backfield, the Commanders would have one of the best offenses in the NFC.
Establish the Run(Daigle)
Making life easier for their franchise QB during his rookie deal continues to take priority in Washington, gifting Jayden Daniels another piece who can explode upfield from underneath. Hampton encouragingly handled 282 or more touches in each of his last two seasons with the Tar Heels, hauling in 29 and 38 catches in that time.
Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
DraftTek
General Manager Adam Peters did an excellent job filling in major gaps all over this Washington roster in the offseason, positioning the team to draft based on their board come April 24th. While these holes have been filled, the solutions he signed are far more Band-Aid options than long-term solutions. In addition, in acquiring Lattimore, Samuel, and Tunsil, a whopping seven draft picks were traded away.
As a result, I think Peters and Co. want to trade down desperately in order to recoup picks. This Draft is unique in that players 10-60 are fairly similar prospects, so it’s unlikely that there’s a ‘can’t-miss’ prospect waiting for the Commanders at 29. If the team doesn’t trade down I expect the pick to be in the trenches or at corner.
Here, Ohio State OT Josh Simmons would be tough to pass up. A consensus top-5 pick heading into the year, Simmons tore his patellar tendon on October 12th, sending his stock to the lower end of Round 1. While the Commanders have Tunsil at LT for the foreseeable future and a possible young stalwart at RT in Brandon Coleman, the addition of a possible top-five tackle prospect at 29 would be quite a value, and as Peters showed last year in his pick of DT Johnny Newton, he isn’t afraid to add to a position of strength.
If Simmons is ready to go, he could play at either guard spot or at RT, sliding Coleman into guard. No matter where Simmons lines up, he makes Jayden Daniels’ offense significantly better.
Round 2: Shemar Turner, DL, Texas A&M
Round 4: Tyler Baron, EDGE, Florida
Round 6: Trevor Etienne, RB, Georgia
Round 7: Jason Marshall Jr, CB, Florida
Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
Football Guys(Bitonti)
The Commanders traded for left tackle Laremy Tunsil, but Sam Cosmi tore his ACL in the playoffs. Assuming Brandon Coleman takes over at right tackle, the options to replace Cosmi include Trent Scott, Andrew Wylie, and Cornelius Lucas. They can’t afford for that wound to fester. Conerly starts at guard and eventually bumps outside.
Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
Palm Beach Post(Schad)
Donovan Jackson, OL, Ohio State
Sports Illustrated(Landis)
Needing to protect Jayden Daniels, the Commanders get an athletic and versatile lineman who can play either guard or tackle.
Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College
NFL.com(Rueter)
Ezeiruaku brings speed off the edge as well as a very effective spin move. In Washington, he could be used as a designated pass rusher as a rookie, giving the team needed juice after losing leading 2024 sacker Dante Fowler in free agency.
Round 2: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
Round 4: Jason Marshall Jr, CB, Florida
Round 6: Isaac TeSlaa, WR, Arkansas
Round 7: LeQuint Allen, RB, Syracuse
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 James Pearce. He is a two-time All-SEC player who led the conference in tackles for loss (28) and quarterback pressures (107) across the last two seasons. The reason he falls this low in the draft is because he needs to improve his technique since he plays too stiff and upright at times. Dan Quinn feels he can fix him and selects him here.
CBS Sports(Dajani)
The Commanders need to upgrade at pass rusher, and Donovan Ezeiruaku was a 2024 Consensus All-American last season that also won ACC Defensive Player of the Year following a historic campaign in which he recorded 16.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss.
CBS Sports(Dubin)
The Commies still need to find a way to get some pressure on opposing quarterbacks and Ezeiruaku should help there. He was one of the best pass rushers in the country in 2024.
SB Nation(Acosta)
The Commanders need to turn up their pass rush, especially with Dante Fowler Jr and Jonathan Allen both gone. Ezeiruaku is a violent player with speed and burst around the edge, but has long arms and the disposition to play the run as well.
Walter Football
The Redskins need to improve their defense, and specifically, their pass rush. They’ve brought in plenty of edge rushers for visits during the pre-draft process.
Donovan Ezeiruaku is a terrific edge rusher, but has some size limitations.
Round 2: Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame
The Redskins have a hole in their secondary. They need a new safety to pair with Quan Martin.
Xavier Watts is a dangerous ballhawk who made lots of plays for Notre Dame.
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.
Round 6: Jaylin Smith, CB, USC
The Redskins don’t have many draft picks, but one of them should be used on a cornerback.
Jaylin Smith needs to get stronger for the next level.
Establish the Run(Silva)
2024 ACC Defensive Player of the Year and Ted Hendricks Award winner as the nation’s top defensive end. Outside rusher is a big need for Washington opposite Dorance Armstrong.
Fantasy Pros(Weyrauch)
The Commanders made a valiant effort to reach the Super Bowl but ultimately fell short. Improving their pass rush could be a key focus for them as they approach this offseason. Donovan Ezeiruaku put up 14 sacks in Power 5 play this season.
Pro Football Rumors(Allen)
Despite Washington’s trip to the NFC championship game last year, the team could stand to improve in several areas. The offensive skill positions are all pretty good, and the addition of Laremy Tunsil certainly helps, but the offensive line as a whole is just OK. Similarly, the secondary is alright but not great and could use improvements at cornerback, like Kentucky’s Maxwell Hairston or Ole Miss’ Trey Amos. On paper, the defensive line (from left to right, Clelin Ferrell–Daron Payne–Javon Kinlaw–Dorance Armstrong) feels like a strength, but these veterans have lacked consistency over the past few years.
As long as the Commanders, who have just five picks in this draft, don’t trade down to collect more draft capital, Ezeiruaku feels like the player who can add the most value at this point in the draft. A consensus All-American, Ezeiruaku finished a half-sack behind Green for the nation lead last year with 16.5. His 20.5 tackles for loss in 2024 were good for fourth in the country behind Carter (23.5), Green (22.5), and Ohio State’s JT Tuimoloau (21.5). With Dante Fowler and his 10.5 sacks headed back to Dallas, the team’s top returning sack artists at defensive end are Armstrong (five in 2024) and Ferrell (3.5). Ezeiruaku may not start immediately, but he should be able to provide some much-needed production, even if he’s coming in off the bench.
Takeaways
I seem to be sending edge rushers flying off the board right now, as this is our third in a row. That’s a premium position for anyone, especially playoff teams trying to win it all. It also just so happens that these potential contenders all need help at that spot, and Ezeiruaku was highly productive in college. While Mike Green had the most sacks in the FBS, Ezeiruaku led the Power 4. As with our last two players, he needs to do better in the strength department. However, his bend around the edge is excellent, and his motor never quits. I’m expecting a bit of sack production based on pure effort alone.
Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
CBS Sports(Benjamin)
The Commanders aren’t averse to investing in high-profile, if inconsistent, prospects (see: Javon Kinlaw). Also needing a bona fide edge rusher, they could trust Dan Quinn to get the most out of Stewart, a freak athlete with low sack numbers.
CBS Sports(Wilson)
For an edge rusher Stewart is enormous. He’ll play too high at times but he can collapse the pocket with his size/power/strength. He’s got a quick first step, even for his size, with the power to shoot gaps. And when the bull rush doesn’t get home, his huge frame allows him to knock down passes. He has a hair-on-fire motor who consistently plays with power and athleticism.
Round 2: Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State
USA Today(Brinkerhoff)
The Commanders are the beneficiary of another draft fall, pouncing on the potential that Stewart offers off the edge. Washington went into the Detroit pick likely feeling good about filling their needs with Johnson or Stewart, but Dan Quinn’s defense would get a much-needed injection of youth and potential in their pass rush with the Texas A&M product.
USA Today(Dragon)
The Commanders lost their sack leader Dante Fowler Jr. in free agency. Stewart’s college production raises some questions (only 4.5 sacks in three seasons), but he possesses high upside.
Fox Sports(Wright)
The Huddle(Dorey)
James Pearce Jr, EDGE, Tennessee
NFL.com(Rank)
The offense is looking really good, Commanders, now that you’ve bolstered the line with Laremy Tunsil and brought in Deebo Samuel to go opposite Terry McLaurin. I wouldn’t rule out taking a running back or another offensive stud here. However, you need to play some defense. Pearce could help boost the pass rush after the loss of 2024 sack leader Dante Fowler and two-time Pro Bowler Jonathan Allen.
USA Today(McKessy)
Washington needs to bring in pass-rushing reinforcements after losing sack leader Dante Fowler Jr. to the Cowboys in free agency. Enter James Pearce Jr., who’s a lengthy edge rusher with tons of explosiveness coming off a first-team All-SEC season that featured 13 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks. With some added strength and developed technique, he has a future as a dangerous weapon off the edge in Washington.
Sports Illustrated(Fabiano)
I see a lot of mocks where the Commanders take a wide receiver, but I don’t love that much from a fantasy standpoint with Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel Sr. already on the team. The odds like Washington to go with a DL/EDGE rusher (+180 at FD) or an offensive lineman (+320 at FD), but I’ll go with the former. Based on this mock draft, Pearce Jr. would be the best DL/EDGE left.
The 33rd Team(Mosher)
Dan Quinn has had a lot of success with twitchy, undersized EDGE rushers, and Pearce certainly qualifies. He’s likely not an every-down player right away, as he needs to put on some weight.
Still, he can bend around the edge and create havoc on opposing quarterbacks. Pearce could fall further than this, but the Commanders are a good landing spot for him and his talent.
Sharp Football Analysis(Donahue)
One of the aforementioned defensive linemen that may have a higher ceiling is Pearce Jr, but some character concerns may push him down the board.
However, Washington has a glaring need at the position and could be willing to take on the risk.
Pearce Jr. had the second-highest pressure rate in FBS last season.
Defensive Line/EDGE to be the first position selected by Washington is favored at +165.
FOX Sports(Schwartz)
The Commanders will add the best available pass rusher here, and that should be Pearce.
Draft Sharks(Hallam)
Pearce has some personality issues, but the Commanders culture has been strengthened. From a talent perspective, Pearce showcased his skills living in the backfield in the SEC.
Round 2: Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame
Round 4: Tez Johnson, WR, Oregon
Johnson is small and slow, but he is certainly quick. The Commanders get a potential slot option down the line.
Round 6: Jaydon Blue, RB, Texas
Blue’s speed and pass catching could be enough to make the roster for the Commanders.
Round 7: Ryan Fitzgerald, K, Florida State
Fitzgerald won’t kick the long FG, but he is reliable from close up. Drafted to compete for the job.
Newsweek(Quinn)
Pearce is a polarizing prospect who at one point was considered a potential top ten pick. He clearly has the talent of a top edge rusher, but character concerns and his run-stopping ability hurt his draft stock for this year’s draft.
Fantasy Pros(Jones)
After making a surprisingly deep playoff run, Washington blew a ton of money and picks upgrading their team this offseason. Outside of perhaps left guard or right tackle, they look good on offense.
They could look for an impact player at defensive end or cornerback to build around long-term, despite having veteran stop-gaps like Deatrich Wise and Jonathan Jones there. Getting an explosive Leo to complement their high-scoring offense would be nice.
Fantasy Life(Freedman)
Pearce was moderately productive over his final two college seasons with 17.5 sacks and 28 tackles for loss, but it’s his combine performance (4.47-second 40-yard dash at 6-5, 245 lbs.) that makes him likely to go on Day 1.
Defensive HC Dan Quinn will likely relish the opportunity to add Pearce to his DL, which has been almost entirely turned over since last offseason. With Pearce, Quinn will have another foundational building block for his defense.
Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
USA Today(Middlehurst-Schwartz)
Two sexual assault allegations could complicate Green’s draft outlook. But if he’s available at this point – and there’s a chance that his range is closer to the teens – and the Commanders are comfortable with the selection, the Football Bowl Subdivision leader in sacks could be a critical cornerstone for a pass rush that lacks a dynamic presence.
Pro Football Network(Sheath)
A former wide receiver, Green’s speed and agility helped him amass 17 sacks and 23 tackles for loss in 2024. His physical measurements will likely see him overlooked by some teams, but his production is impossible to ignore.
After losing Dante Fowler Jr., who led the team with 10.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss in 2024, the Washington Commanders could take a chance on Green. The team could easily take a receiver here if they like the available options, but Fowler’s production is a lot to lose. The intriguing Green adds a speed element to the Commanders’ pass rush.
Round 2: Jack Bech, WR, TCU
OutKick(Zaksheske)
What a debut season for Jayden Daniels! But the Commanders can’t get complacent; we all saw the step backwards taken by the Texans with C.J. Stroud in season two. The offense wasn’t the issue, though, it was the defense. Getting a guy like Green who can get after the passer is an important need for Washington.
Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M(Draft profile)
Newsweek(Lazenby)
The Commanders were the surprise of the NFL in 2024 and the team will look to build on that in 2025. Adding a toolsy edge-rusher like Nic Scourton could help that, as the team desperately needs a more consistent pass-rush.
Oluwafemi Oladejo, EDGE, UCLA(Draft profile)
The Draft Network(Fowler)
The tea leaves continue to connect Femi Oladejo to Washington, who seamlessly fits general manager Adam Peters’ on and off-field culture. James Pearce Jr. is a name to watch here as well, but Oladejo’s projectability as a pass rusher, ability to set the edge on early downs, experience at different alignments (former ILB), and leadership qualities paint the picture of everything Washington wants in a ballplayer. Trading back is a high possibility here as well with limited overall draft capital in Peters’ pocket.
Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
Sports Illustrated(Martuneac)
I almost went with a defensive back here, but Williams provides too much potential value at 29th overall and the Commanders need more talent on the D-line.
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.
Draft Countdown(Lamb)
Round 2: RJ Harvey, RB, UCF
Round 4: Connor Colby, OL, Iowa
Round 6: KeAndre Lambert-Smith, WR, Auburn
Round 7: Moliki Matavao, TE, UCLA
JT Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State
NFL.com(Ross)
Maybe the most underrated player in this draft class. Tuimoloau joins Dan Quinn’s defensive front as a hard-nosed and productive talent. Filling a big need in Washington, JTT — who registered 6.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss during Ohio State’s four-game playoff run — could start immediately for the Commanders, whose DE depth chart is littered with NFL journeymen.
Ashton Gillotte, EDGE, Louisville
CBS Sports(Hunt)
Here’s a surprise pick in this mock draft, with Gillotte going to the Commanders. I don’t think enough folks are talking about how consistently excellent his tape is with regards to him coming off the edge. There’s always a surprise first-rounder in every draft, and the talented EDGE out of Louisville would be my pick.
Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
USA Today(Davis)
They’ve got a lot of money tied up in DTs Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw, yet neither has shown the consistent ability to be a disruptive player (aside from Payne’s Pro Bowl production in 2022). Nolen (6-4, 296), a 2024 All-American, has the talent to create a lot more havoc up the gut (10½ sacks and 2023 TFLs since 2023).
CBS Sports(Kerr)
Nolen is physical on the defensive interior, showcasing the burst off the line of scrimmage and the power to make life tough on guards and centers. Commanders could use this to compete against the Eagles.
Mock Draft HQ
A former five-star talent, Nolen gives Washington a disruptive force inside. After trading away key defensive linemen, this pick helps rebuild that once-feared front.
Trey Amos, CB, Mississippi
The Huddle(Bonini)
Shavon Revel Jr, CB, East Carolina
NFL.com(Filice)
An impressive physical specimen at a hair under 6-2 with pterodactyl length, Revel was poised to make a national name for himself in 2024. But then he tore his ACL during a practice in September, prematurely ending his final season at ECU and preventing him from showing his wares in the pre-draft process. Out of sight, but not out of mind. I anticipate a playoff team scooping him up in the back stretch of Round 1 as a long-term value pick with a potentially massive ROI. And a traitsy corner with serious press-man upside seems like something Dan Quinn could be interested in.
USA Today(Ostly)
Washington’s defense needs lots of reinforcements at multiple spots but, in a division featuring lots of receiver talent, it opts for the long, fast, hard-hitting Revel. The East Carolina product would likely go higher in this class if not for a season-ending ACL injury suffered in September 2024. He’s built to excel in Dan Quinn’s style of coverage.
Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Pro Football Focus(Plocher)
The Commanders didn’t have a single secondary player with a PFF coverage grade above 65.0 in 2024. Hairston’s 2024 campaign was shortened by injury, but he posted an 85.3 PFF coverage grade along with five interceptions and four pass breakups in 2023.
Jahdae Barron, DB, Texas
Sports Illustrated(Landis)
Washington was one of the top pass defenses in the league last season, but they get a player that Dan Quinn will love having on his unit. Barron will likely be a slot at the next level, but he can play anywhere in the secondary.
Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
NFL.com(Band)
Dan Quinn has long leaned on hybrid safeties with size and range — think Kam Chancellor, Keanu Neal, Donovan Wilson and Jeremy Chinn — to serve as tone-setters in his single-high-heavy scheme. Emmanwori fits that mold, offering versatility as a box defender or big nickel in sub-packages. GM Adam Peters shores up a secondary that allowed a league-worst 146.8 passer rating on throws of 10-plus air yards to the deep middle last season, per Next Gen Stats.
The 33rd Team(Foster)
Nick Emmanwori was built in a lab to play safety for Dan Quinn. He’s a Swiss army knife who can plug into any spot on the back-seven and is essentially immune to mismatches.
He can defend the sidelines as a deep safety, play press-man on tight ends, drive on in-breaking routes as a robber, and shed blocks and fit the run like a linebacker.
Round 2: Bradyn Swinson, EDGE, LSU
Chicago Tribune(Biggs)
The Commanders could be in the market for defensive line help, but coach Dan Quinn loves hybrid-type safeties. Emmanwori is versatile and physical and would be a great replacement for Jeremy Chinn on the back end of the defense.
Underdog Network(Winks)
They lost do-everything S Jeremy Chinn this offseason, and Emmanwori is a bigger and more athletic version of that role if he hits.
Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
The 33rd Team(Crabbs)
Washington aggressively addressed a number of its most pressing needs with trades. Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel changed the game offensively for the Commanders.
But on defense, Dan Quinn’s unit is missing a secondary quarterback. Starks is a highly cerebral player who should be a match made in heaven with Quinn.
Round 2: Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
Round 4: Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State
Round 6: Chimere Dike, WR, Florida
Round 7: Myles Hinton, OT, Michigan
Pro Football Network(DeLeone)
Starks has the coverage ability and overall instincts to become one of the best safeties in the NFL. Luckily for the Commanders, he falls right into their lap, and they can reap the rewards of safeties being consistently overlooked in the draft.
Round 2: TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State(Draft profile)
Bleacher Nation(Rooney)
Not many people know how to coach and develop safeties like Dan Quinn. Malaki Starks is a very high-level talent who has a versatile skillset. He’s a very smart defender and is great at positioning himself and locating the ball in pass coverage. I think while this might not be Washington’s biggest need, Quinn would love to get a player of Starks’ caliber on his defense.
Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Pro Football Network
The Washington Commanders are in the strange position of being a contending team without too many long-term building blocks in place. As such, the Commanders can feasibly lean toward picking the best available player without worrying too much about roster needs.
Even with Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu set to return at linebacker in 2025, drafting the consensus top off-ball linebacker in Jihaad Campbell would be a great succession plan.
Campbell also brings some pass-rush ability, which would be useful for a Washington defense that blitzed at the sixth-highest rate (32%) in 2024. However, his calling card is his sideline-to-sideline range in a prototypical linebacker body — a rare quality in a league where linebackers get smaller every year. Campbell wouldn’t have pressure to play right away, but could quickly grow into the centerpiece of Dan Quinn’s defense.
Round 2: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State
A big part of the Ohio State Buckeyes’ championship run in 2024 was their ground game, and running back Quinshon Judkins played a massive role in their success. The Ole Miss transfer finished with 1,060 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on 194 carries during his only season with the Buckeyes, forming a dynamic backfield tandem with Tre’Veyon Henderson.
One of the trickiest quandaries for talent evaluators in the 2025 NFL Draft cycle is ranking the two-headed RB tandem at Ohio State. Judkins comes in as the second-best of the two on our board, but he’s compelling as an early-round option in his own right. Judkins rode his historic early production to an opportunity with the Buckeyes in 2024, and he was able to win a national championship while sharing touches with Henderson. His production dipped, but his projection remains tantalizing for scouts.
At 6’0″, 221 pounds, Judkins is a hyper-energetic, short-strider with elite burst and searing speed through gaps. He’s not an adept creator when things go off-script, but when things are on schedule, he’s a super-charged carving knife with his keen vision and quick pace.
Considering the Commanders don’t have a single running back under contract past 2025, drafting their potential future starter in the backfield figures to be a priority at some point. Judkins can maximize his potential with better technique, and splitting touches with Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler for a year can help him develop those traits. Down the road, it wouldn’t be surprising if he formed an imposing thunder-and-lightning rushing duo with Jayden Daniels.