The Washington Commanders parted ways with long-time veteran Jonathan Allen after they could not find a trade partner for him. With that, the team could use some more help getting to the quarterback.
The 2025 NFL Draft is quickly approaching, and that is one way that Washington could grab an edge rusher. In a recent mock by PFF's Mason Cameron, he has them doing just that and drafting Georgia defensive star Mykel Williams.
"The Commanders need to find the pièce de résistance of their defense for Dan Quinn’s scheme, and Williams could very well be that foundation," Cameron writes. "He’s a strong, versatile defender with a ceaseless motor. He has room to improve as a pass rusher, but his 86.6 PFF run-defense grade across the past three seasons will help him be an early contributor."
While the Commanders still have a solid presence on the interior of their defensive line with Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw, the guys coming off the edge could be better.
Williams finished his senior season at Georgia with five sacks, nine tackles for loss, and a couple pass deflections and forced fumbles. At 6-5, 260 pounds, he is an imposing threat coming off the edge, and that could be exactly what the Commanders are looking for.
The NFC East champion Philadelphia Eagles were the Super Bowl champions this past season, so the Commanders have their work cut out for them in their division. While it may be a tough challenge, drafting some edge rushing help would be a good start.
