The Washington Commanders have just five picks at their disposal heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. That was a risk worth taking to acquire wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and left tackle Laremy Tunsil via trade this offseason. Unfortunately, it completely evaporates Adam Peters' margin for error during the all-important selection process.
Something that led one NFL analyst to raise serious concerns regarding a prospect being heavily linked to the Commanders.
Peters knows what's needed to ensure Washington's miraculous 2024 accomplishments become something more. He wasn't a big player in free agency, focusing his attention on the two aforementioned trades instead. The Commanders are relying on those around last season and some proven (albeit aging) veterans who are new to the franchise. If the front-office leader can navigate the draft successfully, the better their chances will be.
The Commanders are in a weird spot at No. 29 overall. Peters hasn't ruled anything out, and no leaks from within the football operation come with widespread projections across the media.
Everyone has a favorite. Everyone has an opinion. One analyst even highlighted an intriguing prospect Washington would be wise to avoid.
NFL analyst doesn't believe Donovan Ezeiruaku fits on the Commanders
Brent Sobleski from The Bleacher Report went against the grain, proclaiming that Donovan Ezeiruaku shouldn't be considered by the Commanders. He thought the Boston College prospect's lack of legitimate height or length could restrict his influence, hinting that JT Tuimoloau represents a better option.
"[Donovan] Ezeiruaku definitely knows how to harass opposing quarterbacks after finishing second in the FBS last season with 16.5 sacks, while averaging five pressures per contest, per The 33rd Team. At the same time, the reigning Ted Hendricks Award winner should [not] be viewed as an every-down defender. He'll likely struggle at the point of attack, with offenses looking to take advantage of that deficiency. Basically, the Commanders could be investing in a part-time rotational defender with this year's first-round pick or look for another option. Someone like Ohio State's JT Tuimoloau may be a better alternative later in the first round."
Brent Sobleski
One doesn't have to look far to see the links between Ezeiruaku and the Commanders around the media. His explosiveness, bend, and relentless energy are traits Dan Quinn values highly. The head coach also has extensive experience when it comes to maximizing undersized pass-rushers to his advantage.
The Commanders need a plan in place for Ezeiruaku if they go in this direction. Moving him around the line of scrimmage to exploit mismatches would be a smart approach, although there's also a chance he goes much higher than No. 29 based on his athletic upside.
Regardless of whether it's Ezeiruaku or someone else, the Commanders need an explosive edge threat from the draft capable of giving this under-strength unit a spark. Anything less could have a detrimental impact on their chances of going deep into the postseason once again.
Peters knows what he's doing. If he believes Ezeiruaku has the tools to thrive within Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s system, he won't hesitate to pull the trigger.
