The Washington Commanders were defeated 55-23 by the Philadelphia Eagles in Sunday’s NFC Championship Game. The Commanders, who owned the No. 2 overall selection in last year’s draft, will consider this season a success, ultimately overachieving in 2024. This offseason will be about maximizing the available resources around quarterback Jayden Daniels.
General manager Adam Peters now owns the 29th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Commanders also have approximately $70.7 million in effective cap space, per Over The Cap. Resources are bountiful. We conducted a seven-round mock draft that improves the Commanders.
Round 1 (No. 29 overall): Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
The Commanders acquired cornerback Marshon Lattimore at the trade deadline, but a midseason injury limited his effectiveness down the stretch. Lattimore did not improve their secondary as envisioned. Dan Quinn's defense needs to continue adding impact corners this offseason. Benjamin Morrison is a man-coverage corner who would immediately play a starring role outside.
Round 2 (No. 61 overall): Jared Ivey, EDGE, Ole Miss
Dante Fowler Jr. and Clelin Ferrell are among Washington’s expiring contracts. Fowler Jr. led the Commanders in sacks but is an aging player who eventually needs replacing, even if he’s re-signed. Ole Miss’ Jared Ivey strikes me as a player Quinn will appreciate. Ivey plays multiple positions, stops the run, and rushes the passer. He carries three-down potential.
Round 3 (No. 79 overall): Tez Johnson, WR, Oregon
Surrounding Daniels with more pass-catching weapons opposite Terry McLaurin is a necessity. Role players like Olamide Zaccheaus, Dyami Brown, and Noah Brown are all unrestricted free agents. Tez Johnson would immediately command a role as the slot receiver in Kliff Kingsbury's offense. Johnson would be a short-area winner for Daniels underneath the coverage.
Round 5 (No. 147 overall): Hollin Pierce, OT, Rutgers
Moving rookie tackle Brandon Coleman to guard should receive consideration at some point. Furthermore, veteran protector Cornelius Lucas played on an expiring deal. Rutgers tackle Hollin Pierce is a developmental tackle with arms longer than 36 inches, a historic 99th percentile result.
Round 6 (No. 206 overall): Jordan Phillips, DT, Maryland
The Eagles rushed for 229 yards and a record-breaking seven touchdowns in Sunday’s triumph. That'll encourage Quinn to strengthen the middle of his defense this offseason. Maryland's Jordan Phillips is gaining steam after dominant showings at the East-West Shrine practices.
Round 7 (No. 237 overall): Bilhal Kone, CB, Western Michigan
The Commanders should double down at cornerback. In addition to needing an instant-impact player, they also need depth, because Benjamin St. Juste and Noah Igbinoghene are among their free agents. Western Michigan's Bilhal Kone should make waves at the Senior Bowl. The small-school Kone possesses terrific size for the position at 6-foot2, 190 pounds.
Round 7 (No. 248 overall): Jalen McLeod, LB, Auburn
Peters will almost certainly re-sign Bobby Wagner after the future Hall of Famer put forth an outstanding season. He’ll probably still want to draft a linebacker though, given the advancing age of the collective position room. Auburn’s Jalen McLeod is a bit of a tweener with an intriguing profile. A former pass rusher, NFL scouts want to see McLeod play off-ball linebacker throughout the pre-draft process.
