Adam Peters didn't have many picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. Some eye-popping trade activity during the offseason diminished the Washington Commanders' assets considerably. That doesn't mean the front-office leader didn't extract maximum value from the options available.
The Commanders spent their capital wisely. Most people thought Peters would move down for more picks at some stage. The front-office leader refused, taking prospects high on his board that represented can't-miss value instead. After that, it was all about solidifying depth with intriguing talent who could carve out roles for themselves over time.
Others around the league generated more headlines. But nobody in Washington will care too much about that.
Peters went about his draft business in a much quieter fashion compared to last year. There was no movement up or down the board. This was replaced by hand-picking a select few who he believes can help now and long into the future.
Mel Kiper Jr. expecting big things from Commanders after superb draft class
Mel Kiper Jr. from ESPN loved what the Commanders did during the draft. The respected analyst believes this could be a building block for Super Bowl success, something that adds to the mystique and optimism surrounding Washington entering 2025.
"This is going to be a building block for a Super Bowl opportunity. And we talk about a team to watch, when you have Jayden Daniels at quarterback, the Washington Commanders are going to be a fear-factor team. They did a lot of things well in this draft."
Mel Kiper Jr.
Ignoring a deep class of edge rushers was arguably his biggest mistake. Peters seems content with the options available, even though they pale into insignificance compared to their NFC East adversaries. It's a risk the Commanders are willing to take, and there is enough spare cash to find another productive veteran remaining on the free-agent market if needed.
Fans are optimistic. The Commanders have a nice blend of youth and experience. They have a superstar quarterback and proven, elite-level performers on both sides of the football. Dan Quinn's squad won't be a surprise that teams don't see coming next time around, but Peters took that into account when constructing a roster he believes is capable of going deep into the postseason once again.
Not many have been in the draft business longer than Kiper. He thinks Washington got a great haul, but the most important part is yet to come.
These prospects must prove themselves in an NFL setting with an ambitious franchise. They must repay the faith shown in them by Peters and his staff. Anything less is doing the Commanders a disservice.
If the top-end picks make immediate contributions and those taken lower down the order perform above expectations, another bold Super Bowl bid won't be too far behind.
