Commanders defend contentious NFL Draft strategy after fan backlash

The Washington Commanders were largely expected to take one of the promising edge rushers early in the 2025 NFL Draft. Not only did general manager Adam Peters resist this temptation, but he didn't bolster the pass-rushing unit at all.

This was a contentious issue among the fanbase. Perhaps Peters is happy with the options available, or he has another free agent in mind to provide immediate assistance. Time will tell on that, but it was a deep group of edge threats that the Commanders completely ignored.

The Commanders didn't even add one in undrafted free agency (so far). Joe Whitt Jr. has some decent options, but nowhere near enough to trouble the dominant Philadelphia Eagles offensive line if Washington wants to dethrone its division rival next season.

Commanders could still add another edge rusher before the 2025 campaign

Assistant general manager Lance Newmark hit back at critics. He stated that the Commanders didn't go into the draft looking to neglect the edge rushing room. They took the best prospects available, some of whom Washington thought would go much higher than originally anticipated. Peters' right-hand man also hinted that they have some alternative options in mind if needed.

It wasn't, 'We weren't going to address edge at any point.' There were never any conversations of that mindset. It was, 'These players made the most sense for us.' You certainly are always watching that board. We watch it every day and we always circle back to guys and see where they're at. Sometimes they don't want to do anything right now, but that's constant. It's on the wall in my office, so I see it every morning when I walk in and we talk about it on literally a daily basis.Lance Newmark via Commanders.com

Fans can overreact. They can panic. But Peters and the Commanders' front office have earned enough trust to let things play out. Looking at the way he's gone about his business since taking the general manager job, he'll turn over every stone and have several options in mind if there's consensus agreement that another pass-rushing force is required.

The options have dwindled, but some value could be had. Za'Darius Smith is the most obvious and high-profile name remaining on the market. That would help considerably, and the three-time Pro Bowler could see Washington as an attractive destination ready to win now if the money is right.

It'll be interesting to see what comes next. Peters leaves nothing to chance. The Commanders aren't done making moves (just ask Zane Gonzalez). At the same time, it must be the right fit with someone capable of making an immediate difference and fitting into the remarkable locker room culture shift under head coach Dan Quinn.

Peters won't sign another edge rusher just for the sake of it. He might also be waiting around for potential releases elsewhere as the offseason progresses. There's no telling for sure, but fans have complete faith in his ability to put the Commanders in the best possible position to thrive.