2025 NFL Mock Draft Roundup: What is the top priority for the Washington Commanders?

Posted by author January 28, 2025 NFL

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The Washington Commanders season ended on Sunday night after the lost to the Philadelphia Eagles 55-23 in the NFC Championship game. This season was better than anyone could have expected with a new GM, HC, and QB coming off of a 4-13 season with the previous regime. Washington finished the season with a 12-5 record, and added wins over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions in the playoffs.

Washington now enters their offseason, and they have already been doing work on this year’s draft. The scouts and GM Adam Peters are down in Mobile for the Senior Bowl, and this process will continue up until the draft kicks off on April 24th in Green Bay Wisconsin. The Commanders currently have seven draft picks, and they’ve already made several trades, and more will likely happen before the draft ends on April 26th.

Washington had the No. 2 overall pick last year, and picked the best player in the draft, QB Jayden Daniels. They ended the weekend with nine draft picks, and used those picks to help turned over a roster that had the second-worst record in the league last season. They also signed 20+ free agents, and there will be more turnover this year with a lot of players signed to one-year deals.

Adam Peters and Dan Quinn know that they need to build this team around Jayden Daniels, and the best way to do that long-term is through the draft. Washington will definitely be active in free agency, and that will change the team’s needs and draft priorities. For right now, we’re looking at a team that played with a lot of heart, and had one of the best single-season turnarounds in NFL history. They need a big influx of new, younger talent at a lot of positions. The priority of those positions will be up for debate up until the draft, and for years beyond. Luckily Washington has a wide range of positions and players mocked to them this week, and we’ve got a lot of options to discuss.

Washington Commanders 2025 NFL Draft Picks

Round 1 – #29

Round 2 – #61

Round 3 (from MIA via PHI) – #79

Round 5 (from NOLA) – #148

Round 6 – #207

Round 7 (from DEN via PHI) – #238

Round 7 (from PHI) – #249

Defense

E$PN(Kiper)

Nic Scourton, DE, Texas A&M

The Commanders are picking this late (and possibly later) largely because they got immediate star power from their 2024 first-round pick: quarterback Jayden Daniels. Can they take another step forward by acing their 2025 first-round selection? Scourton plays with power. And while he can get to the quarterback as a pass rusher (5 sacks), I really like this fit because of his run defense. Washington was chewed up for 4.8 yards allowed per rush this season, 28th in the league. But Scourton has the strength to set an edge against the run, and he finished the season with 14 tackles for loss and 11 run stops.

The Athletic(Brugler)

Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall

Dan Quinn has done a great job getting functional pass-rush production out of Cowboys castoffs, such as Dante Fowler and Dorance Armstrong. But it would make sense for this front office to invest in young, promising players on the edges. Green could be part of a rotation before taking over the full-time starting role.

Four of “my guys” in this draft class. Prospects I’m guessing I’ll be higher on than most (based on the tape):

Armand Membou, OT/G, Missouri
Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
Jacob Parrish, CB, Kansas St. pic.twitter.com/dJowALkh5x

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) January 7, 2025

Round 2: Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford

NBC Sports Boston(Perry)

Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall

Adam Peters is going to be looking to upgrade at premium positions early in the draft, and in Green he’ll add a physically-gifted pass-rusher who could develop into the organization’s top player in that role.

Tankathon

Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall

USA Today(Middlehurst-Schwatz)

JT Tuimoloau, DE, Ohio State

A pass rush that is more than the sum of its parts has been one of the hidden driving factors behind the Commanders’ rapid emergence. Still, the group would be due for additional resources even if Dante Fowler Jr. and Clelin Ferrell weren’t on one-year deals. Though not the most dynamic player at his position, Tuimoloau regularly generates pressure by forcing blockers back, and he could be counted on to help set a harder edge for a defense that ranks 30th against the run.

The Draft Network(Sanchez)

Kyle Kennard, EDGE, South Carolina

The Washington Commanders have had a storybook run to this point in the season. But the fact remains that they need to improve this roster. Look for the Commanders to draft an edge rusher to replace the departure of Montez Sweat a year ago and help boost this defense’s pass-rush ability.

Pro Football Network(Cannata)

Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

The Michigan State transfer came alive in Eugene, Oregon. Playing alongside a talented defensive front, Derrick Harmon found more advantageous opportunities to slash through gaps in 2024. Like fellow tall interior rusher DeForest Buckner, Harmon’s go-to move is a swim move. Because of his length and height, he can be a devastating winner.

Even though Harmon is a bit high-cut, he fires low with a wide base in short-yardage situations, proving he’s not just a gap-shooting disruptor as a run defender. But the ferocity with which he flows against horizontal stretch concepts while defending the run stands out the most on tape.

Round 2: Barrett Carter, LB | Clemson

Barrett Carter has been in the NFL Draft scope for a long time. That longevity brings more eyeballs on a more consistent basis, which in turn brings more opportunity for both praise and scrutiny.

The issue is that no player is perfect. New names from nowhere often get highlighted only by their draft-eligible campaign, and draftniks may only watch three games of their entire college career.

At this point, most draftniks have probably evaluated closer to 10 on Carter’s résumé. He’s still a compact, explosive mover with an impressive finish rate in the open field despite his lackluster height. Additionally, he sets an awfully firm edge, considering how much length he’s giving up there.

Unfortunately, Carter’s height is an issue. He’s anatomically unable to consistently find windows to the backfield, and he’s often caught out of position because of it. A SAM role at the NFL level could suffice, because he’s proven he can rush the passer a bit as well as survive in coverage.

Round 3: Kyren Lacy, WR, LSU

Much like Harris at Ole Miss, Kyren Lacy won’t wow observers with even above-average athleticism. However, he makes up for that with the same kind of snazzy release repertoire Harris shows.

Lacy doesn’t naturally separate the same way Harris can, but his on-field rapport with Garrett Nussmeier was palpable. He lacks the upside of many others later on this list, but Lacy possesses NFL physicality at the catch point and provides a reliable target for quarterbacks who are willing to test tighter windows.

Round 5: Jordan Phillips, DT, Maryland

Round 6: Gerard Christian-Lichtenhan, OT, Oregon State

Round 7: Jackson Hawes, TE, Georgia Tech

Round 7: Jaylin Smith, CB, USC

Fantasy Life(Nystrom)

Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon

Harmon made the Round 1 leap this fall. He comfortably leads all FBS DL in hurries with 39. He would give the Commanders a disruptive interior presence.

NFL Spin Zone(Bedinger)

Shemar Stewart, DL, Texas A&M

The Washington Commanders had an absolutely awesome year in 2024 and it’ll be exciting to see how GM Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn build upon that for 2025. Although there are a lot of different directions they could go in this instance, getting a super-athletic defensive lineman who can play all over the front is never going to be frowned upon. Dan Quinn has a lot of his guys on that defensive front right now and it’s time for them to keep on building that group. Shemar Stewart has some similar traits to Chris Jones when he was coming out once upon a time.

CBS Sports (Trapasso)

Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA

Given Bobby Wagner’s age, Dan Quinn looks for the next quarterback of his defense, and Carson Schwesinger will probably be the consensus top off-ball linebacker in the class.

24/7 Sports(Crawford)

Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA

Sporting News(Iyer)

Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina

The Commanders, after seeing Marshon Lattimore and rookie Mike Sainristil struggle with big A.J. Brown in the NFC championship game, need to go after a potential shutdown option in the physical Revel, who should come back well from a torn ACL that cut short his Pirates season.

SB Nation(Acosta)

Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

The Commanders would love to take a receiver here, but opt for a nice fit for their zone defense in Hairston. CB Mike Sainristil can move to the inside and unlock better play for their defense as Hairston uses his instincts in off-man coverage to break up passes.

Offense

ESPN(Reid)

Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

Though defense is a viable option for the Commanders, drafting another pass-catcher for Jayden Daniels also makes sense here. Egbuka overcame an injury-riddled 2023 and has 70 receptions for 896 yards and 10 touchdowns. His savvy route running and strong hands make the 6-1, 205-pound Egbuka one of the most pro-ready prospects in this class. He projects as a high-end WR2 and a perfect complement to Terry McLaurin.

NJ.com(Novozinsky)

Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

Jayden Daniels gets another weapon.

The 33rd Team(Crabbs)

Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

Thanks to Dan Quinn and young quarterback Jayden Daniels, Washington’s future is bright. But if the Commanders are going to maximize their window with Daniels over the next few years, they’d be wise to make sure he has all the toys needed at his disposal to score points in bunches. Dyami Brown is on an expiring contract, and Luke McCaffrey is an unknown — so why not target a powerful, explosive, and compact RAC threat like Burden to play opposite Terry McLaurin?

A to Z Sports

Tre Harris, WR Ole Miss

It’s been a fantastic season for the Commanders, thanks in large part to the excellent play of rookie QB Jayden Daniels. His relationship with Terry McLaurin has been fantastic but landing a solid number two will be a point of emphasis this offseason. Ole Miss’ Tre Harris has NFL deep threat written all over him, which would allow McLaurin to eat up the short and intermediate routes. Harris could focus on stretching the field and making explosive plays.

Round 2: Jack Sawyer, EDGE Ohio State

Jack Sawyer was nothing short of dominant during the Buckeyes National Championship run. His strength and football IQ should help his game translate well to the pro level. If he ends up testing better than people are estimating he could certainly join the conversation to be a first round pick.

Round 3: Anthony Belton, OT NC State

Washington needs more bodies along the offensive line, and Anthony Belton is an exciting prospect. He’s a mauler with quick feet that clearly likes pancakes for breakfast.

FanSided(Williams)

Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

The magic of the Commanders has been the best storyline of the postseason thus far but what’s even better is that there are still obvious avenues to improve this roster. Getting better weapons around Jayden Daniels certainly qualifies in that capacity and Matthew Golden seems to be the right man for the job. While he only totaled 987 yards and nine touchdowns this past season, he emerged as the most reliable player in this offense with good size at 6-foot, 195 pounds and real burners to turn on. He should be a beautiful No. 2 to complement Terry McLaurin and to help Washington find even another gear.

Walter Football(Campbell)

Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas

The Commanders could use more young receiving talent for Jayden Daniels.

Bond has 33 receptions for 532 yards and five touchdowns. Team sources think Bond is a late first-round or early second-round talent. The 5-foot-11, 182-pounder has dangerous speed to challenge defenses deep downfield and is a threat to score on any catch. Bond flashed ability with Alabama in 2023, snatching 48 passes for 668 yards and four touchdowns.

Round 2: Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson

Washington could use some linebacker youth behind Bobby Wagner.

In 2024, Carter had 82 tackles, seven passes broken up, and 3.5 sacks. Carter recorded 62 tackles, five passes batted, and 3.5 sacks in 2023. He had a strong 2022 season with 73 tackles, 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two interceptions and eight passes broken up. Team sources said Carter (5-11, 233) is fast and athletic but small and can get destroyed in the inside run. He struggles to get off blocks and is a run-chase linebacker. Carter fits as a coverage linebacker in the sub package, but he could have issues holding up in the base set in the NFL.

Walter Football

Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford

The Redskins need to give Jayden Daniels another receiver to pair with Terry McLaurin.

Elic Ayomanor is a tough receiver with good size.

Round 2: Savion Williams, WR, TCU

The Redskins have nothing at receiver outside of Terry McLaurin. They could double up on wideouts.

Savion Williams is a huge receiver, measuring at 6-foot-5.

Round 3: Nazir Stackhouse, DT, Georgia

The Redskins are one of the worst teams when it comes to stopping the run.

Nazir Stackhouse is a sound run defender who needs to improve his pass-rushing ability.

NFL Spin Zone(Scataglia)

Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

How about this pick for the Washington Commanders? Colston Loveland heads to the team here at pick 29 in this 2025 NFL Mock Draft. The team could certainly bring Zach Ertz back in 2025, but getting another weapon for Jayden Daniels is a must.

The Commanders are kind of playing with house money in 2024, so this coming offseason is going to be all about loading up. Heck, Jayden Daniels may be a top-8 QB already, and the Washington Commanders are just one win away from making the Super Bowl.

The Super Bowl!

Loveland is a plus-receiver at the position and has some nice YAC ability. This is a stellar pick for the Commanders.

NFL.com(Jeremiah)

Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

The Commanders’ offensive line has played well above expectations, but I think they need to upgrade the talent to protect Jayden Daniels going forward.

Pro Football Focus(Chadwick)

Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

Washington’s tackles combined for the sixth-lowest PFF grade this past season. While he’s coming off a torn ACL, Simmons should be an immediate starter when healthy. His 82.4 PFF pass-blocking grade on true pass sets this past year placed him in the 98th percentile for FBS tackles.

The Athletic(Baumgardner, Dochtorman)

Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon

The Commanders’ dream season has shown us all how valuable Jayden Daniels is. And though Conerly is hardly a finished product yet, his ability to move and be a factor in the run game might be a perfect match here. He’s also athletic enough to play inside, if Washington wanted him to.

Round 2: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

Athlon Sports(Easterling)

Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon

There are plenty of needs on defense in Washington, but first and foremost, they have to make sure Jayden Daniels is protected. A long-term upgrade at left tackle is needed, and Conerly is flying under the radar as one of the most polished and pro-ready prospects for that role. He’s athletic and powerful, and would be an ideal pick to grow with Daniels as his blind-side protector.

Round 2: Jacob Parrish, CB, Kansas State

Round 3: Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford

Touchdown Wire(Popejoy)

Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon

Round 2: CB Darien Porter – Iowa State

CBS Sports(Edwards)

Donovan Jackson, G/OT, Ohio State

The goal is continue building out the offensive line in Washington. The objective is to get the five best linemen on the field and Donovan Jackson has shown the versatility to play both guard and tackle during Ohio State’s College Football Playoff championship run.

Pro Football Network(DeLeone)

Jonah Savaiinaea, OL, Arizona

The Commanders are another team that needs to prioritize protecting their young star quarterback this offseason. Arizona’s Jonah Savaiinaea has the length and foot speed to either slot in at guard or tackle for Washington.

Pro Football Network(Tate)

Jonah Savaiinaea, OL, Arizona

The Washington Commanders have completely shocked the football world by advancing to the NFC Championship with the excellent play of Jayden Daniels. Now the question becomes — how do we best build around him for the upcoming 2025 NFL season?

As tempting as it may be to go with a receiver or running back here to take some of the playmaking responsibilities off of Daniels’ hands, investing in the unit up front is making sure you prioritize his long-term durability.

This makes me want to bring in the athletic and versatile Jonah Savaiinaea out of Arizona, who has impressive lateral movement ability while packing a powerful punch at the point of attack. That could make him a terror as a run blocker at either guard or tackle down the road.

Bleacher Nation(Rooney)

Jonah Savaiinaea, OL, Arizona

For as good of a season as Washington has had, they could stand to improve at a few different positions. Defensively, they could use a little help getting to the quarterback, but the offensive line is a need too. Savaiinaea provides the Commanders with stability and flexibility along the offensive line and would fill a big need for them.