The first wave of free agency is in the rearview mirror. Some Washington Commanders fans were expecting big money moves to propel this upstart contender to the NFL's top table long term. Adam Peters preferred a different approach.
Peters opted to bring back a large majority of Washington's free agents who contributed significantly to the cause last season. The Commanders made one lofty financial commitment when defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw came into the fold on a three-year, $45 million deal with $30 million guaranteed. This was seen as an overpay, but the general manager firmly believes this will go a long way to replacing Jonathan Allen.
There was also another blockbuster trade when the Commanders gave up significant assets for prolific left tackle Laremy Tunsil. This solves a major need and provides quarterback Jayden Daniels with an elite blindside protector entering his second season. However, it further diminishes the draft picks at Peters' disposal in 2025.
The Commanders have just five selections as things stand. Their needs have lessened, but there's no doubt Peters would like to have more.
That makes trading down in the first or second round a realistic possibility. Peters might be content with what he has, but it seems unlikely given his ethos to build through the draft and supplement any remaining needs from the veteran pool.
Using the Pro Football Network simulator, we took a look at how the Commanders might approach their 2025 NFL Draft selections in a special mock after a frantic few days of free agency.
Commanders 7-round 2025 NFL mock draft after the first wave of free agency
Commanders draft Jihaad Campbell
- Linebacker | Alabama Crimson Tide
- Round No. 1 | Pick No. 29
Re-signing so many players and solving needs in free agency or the trade market provides Adam Peters with a little extra flexibility during the draft. The Washington Commanders are a prime trade-down candidate in this scenario. But if someone like Jihaad Campbell was there for the taking, it represents a difficult proposition to turn down.
Campbell looks tailor-made for Dan Quinn's schematic concepts. He's fast, physical, and versatile. The Alabama prospect is also a sideline-to-sideline force and a heavy hitter when it comes to tackling.
The second-level presence can get after the quarterback in pass-rushing situations and is improving in coverage. He'd be a tremendous pick here, but there's a growing sense in league circles that the prospect might be long gone by the time Washington goes on the clock.
Jordan Reid from ESPN reported that Campbell might enter top-10 consideration when push comes to shove. That means it's a waiting game for Peters, but this looks like the perfect long-term replacement for Bobby Wagner.
Commanders draft TreVeyon Henderson
- Running Back | Ohio State Buckeyes
- Round No. 2 | Pick No. 61
The Washington Commanders gave a supreme vote of confidence to those who shared backfield responsibilities in 2024. Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler are projected to lead the unit once again. Jeremy McNichols was re-signed and Adam Peters placed an exclusive rights tender on Chris Rodriguez Jr. to prevent him from speaking with other teams in free agency.
Having this continuity formed an important part of Peters' strategy this offseason. This should not prevent the Commanders from finding a game-breaking difference-maker from a deep draft class at the running back position.
Robinson, Ekeler, and McNichols have one year remaining on their respective deals. That might be the case with Rodriguez too, so adding a dynamic presence capable of forming a long-standing partnership with quarterback Jayden Daniels wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.
TreVeyon Henderson ticks those boxes and more. He's a genuine dual-threat weapon who looks tailor-made for Kliff Kingsbury's schematic concepts. The Ohio State prospect boasts exceptional vision, can exploit gaps effectively, and is extremely elusive in the open field for good measure.
Henderson's ability as a pass-catcher would make him Daniels' best friend in no time. His unique blend of power and explosiveness represents an upgrade on anything the Commanders currently have at their disposal.
Commanders draft Chase Lundt
- Offensive Tackle | Connecticut Huskies
- Round No. 4 | Pick No. 128
The Commanders pulled off a bombshell trade for Laremy Tunsil while everyone else was focused on landing marquee names during the legal tampering window. Adam Peters had to pay a premium for his services. But to get the very best into your organization, you have to pay.
Tunsil is one of the league's most productive blindside enforcers. This changes everything for Jayden Daniels, who'll have some extra time to go through his progressions safe in the knowledge his new left tackle will be keeping everything in check.
This will mean position switches for some. There's speculation that Brandon Coleman will move to right tackle, leaving Andrew Wylie to move inside at right guard after restructuring his contract to stick around. But with Cornelius Lucas departing for the Cleveland Browns in free agency, the Commanders should consider finding another offensive tackle with high upside with one of their draft picks.
Chase Lundt has the right size for an NFL offensive tackle with the technique to match. He's adept at maintaining leverage and working blocking angles to his advantage. There is work ahead to add more muscle mass, which will only help his chances of carving out a successful NFL career for himself.
Still, the Connecticut prospect represents decent value at this stage of the selection process.
Commanders draft Dont'e Thornton
- Wide Receiver | Tennessee Volunteers
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 205
Another important addition to the Washington Commanders this offseason also came via trade.
It cost Adam Peters nothing more than a fifth-round pick to land versatile wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. from the San Francisco 49ers. Something that helps Jayden Daniels and gives Terry McLaurin the best running mate he's had since entering the league.
Noah Brown and K.J. Osborn re-signed. Hopes remain high that Luke McCaffrey can leap forward in Year 2 of his professional career. Dyami Brown and Olamide Zaccheaus have taken their chances elsewhere, so finding another potential diamond in the rough with a late-round draft pick is something Peters will contemplate.
Dont'e Thornton remains a work in progress as a route technician, but the physical tools are there to make a real difference with time to develop. Until then, his size and blazing speed to stretch the field offer something a little different from what the Commanders already possess.
This quickly became Thornton's specialty at Tennessee last season. The explosive wide receiver averaged an astonishing 25.4 yards per catch after securing 26 receptions for 661 receiving yards and six touchdowns. He's a little rough around the edges, but learning from the likes of McLaurin and Samuel makes the Commanders a sensational landing spot for the player.
Commanders draft Jermari Harris
- Cornerback | Iowa Hawkeyes
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 245
The Commanders have bolstered their defensive front enough to suggest Jihaad Campbell should enhance their pass rush in this scenario. Washington has a stronger cornerback unit, but another capable performer could be considered.
Marshon Lattimore and Mike Sainristil are the focal points. Noah Igbinoghene re-signed after flashing promise last season. The Commanders also secured the services of two-time Super Bowl winner Jonathan Jones, which is going to help significantly.
Even so, the cupboard is relatively bare aside from that. Benjamin St-Juste joined the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency. Emmanuel Forbes Jr. quickly became a lost cause and the first-round pick was released in-season. If the Commanders can find another development project capable of progressing quickly, the better their chances will be.
Jermari Harris comes with more intrigue than most at this juncture. The Iowa prospect is experienced, boasts outstanding leadership qualities, and thrives in man coverage. What he lacks in top-end speed, he more than makes up for with outstanding route anticipation and natural playmaking.
Not being a genuine speedster will go against him when push comes to shove. Harris is also an older prospect with injury red flags to investigate further. But if everything checks out, the Commanders might take a flier on the defensive back with their final pick.
