The Washington Commanders wrapped up a five-man 2025 NFL draft class on Saturday that earned plenty of praise across the league. While Washington was short on picks due to trades for the veterans, the Commanders made the most of every pick.
Washington went into the draft with multiple needs, including edge rusher, offensive line help, cornerback and more weapons for quarterback Jayden Daniels. The Commanders addressed most of those needs in Adam Peters’ second draft as Washington’s general manager.
Here are six takeaways from the Commanders’ 2025 NFL draft.
Commanders like a specific athletic profile
1. Kicking us off is the #Commanders, who also ranked 1st in 2024. This year they lead the pack with an average 8.986 #RAS, with every one of their players qualifying and all of them falling into elite range over 8.00. pic.twitter.com/QYaMPqNT3P
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 27, 2025
For the second straight year, no team had a higher Relative Athletic Score (RAS) than the Commanders. Not only is character important to Peters and head coach Dan Quinn, but athleticism is also critical. Every player that Washington has picked over the last two years ranks among the highest at their respective positions in RAS. All five 2025 draft picks finished with an RAS of 8.29 or above, with four going over 9.0. Most of Washington’s picks fall under the elite category in the explosion, speed and agility sections. The Commanders needed to add speed and they did again with their 2025 class.
Quality over quantity
Yes, the Commanders needed more picks. Because, after all, the more chances you get, the odds are more in your favor of hitting on your picks. So, if you have 10 picks, the statistical odds are better that you’ll find starting-caliber players than if you have just five picks. However, Peters had opportunities to trade out of the No. 29 and No. 61 positions but stayed put, selecting offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. and cornerback Trey Amos, respectively. Washington knew that teams interested in trading up late in the first round were interested in Conerly. The Commanders had a first-round grade on Amos, so instead of trading back for more picks, Peters stuck to his board and drafted the best player.
It makes sense. Why trade the pick if you really love the player? Trading back to acquire more picks is important, but that only works if a team feels it can land a comparable player by moving back. In Washington’s case, Conerly and Amos outweighed the risks of trading back and landing a lesser player. Peters has proven he’s not afraid to make big deals.
This offseason was all about Jayden Daniels
The Commanders know they have a franchise quarterback. They also recognize that they need to do a better job of providing Jayden Daniels with more support. This entire offseason has been about surrounding Daniels with more talent while he’s on his rookie contract. Washington’s offensive line showed signs of wear last season. Peters knew the free-agent class was weak, so he struck a deal with the Houston Texans to land five-time Pro Bowl tackle Laremy Tunsil. On Saturday, Peters brought in more help, selecting offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. in the first round. These two moves allow Brandon Coleman to move from left tackle to either right tackle or guard.
Washington also selected versatile wide receiver Jaylin Lane and Arizona running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who will both have roles next season. Peters did not listen to the fans about signing a ton of external free agents or going all-in on the defense. He made the moves that will help his quarterback the most. That’s what good teams do.
Peters is solidifying premium positions
There are four premium positions in the NFL: quarterback, offensive tackle (QB’s blind side), cornerback and edge rusher. Since taking over last year, Peters has found his quarterback and used multiple resources to fix the cornerback and offensive tackle positions. Last year, Washington began training camp with former first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes, Benjamin St-Juste, Noah Igbinoghene, Michael Davis and rookie Mike Sainristil at cornerback. Only Sainristil and Igbinoghene are back. The Commanders traded for former Pro Bowl corner Marshon Lattimore, signed veteran Jonathan Jones in free agency, and used a second-round pick on Trey Amos. Now, that’s a strong and deep group of capable starters, some with the versatility to play inside and outside.
Offensive tackle has undergone a similar makeover. The Commanders added Tunsil via trade and spent a first-round pick on Conerly. Washington used a third-round pick on Coleman last season. The position is much stronger now.
Finally, there is edge rusher…..more on that.
Commanders like their edge rushers
You didn’t hear too much complaining about Washington not choosing an edge rusher. The Commanders did extensive homework on the position, and while they liked some players, they trusted their board. They also like their current group. Dorance Armstrong is back at one starting position, while veteran Deatrich Wise can help with the pass rush and defend the run at the other starting spot. The Commanders also have others, including linebacker Frankie Luvu, who will help the pass rush. Washington also has veterans Clelin Ferrell and Jacob Martin, and young developmental pass rushers like Andre Jones and Javontae Jean-Baptiste.
While this group has some solid pieces, it could use some more juice. Assistant GM Lance Newmark hinted at the possibility of adding a veteran pass rusher at some point, a list that includes Von Miller and Za’Dairus Smith. Newmark didn’t mention names, but those are the most prominent names. The Commanders will likely add another player, allowing them the opportunity to focus on solidifying the position in 2026.
More weapons for Daniels
Wide receiver was a sneaky need for Washington. Remember, Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel are free agents in 2026. While McLaurin will likely receive a lucrative extension sooner rather than later, the Commanders must begin layering the positions with playmakers. They added Samuel via trade in March. On Saturday, Washington spent a fourth-round pick on wide receiver Jaylin Lane. Lane is criminally underrated due to Virginia Tech’s poor offensive structure and questionable quarterback play. He brings elite speed to the offense and the versatility to play inside or outside. Oh, and he’ll likely also be the punt returner.
The Commanders also drafted running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the seventh round. Croskey-Merritt is also underrated due to a quirky eligibility issue that resulted in him playing only one game last season. He is an immediate threat to push for playing time in Washington’s veteran backfield.
As we discussed with the offensive line, Peters is ensuring that Daniels has everything around him to be successful for a long time.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: 2025 NFL draft: 6 takeaways from Commanders’ draft weekend
The Washington Commanders wrapped up a five-man 2025 NFL draft class on Saturday that earned plenty of praise across the league. While Washington was short on picks due to trades for the veterans, the Commanders made the most of every pick.
Washington went into the draft with multiple needs, including edge rusher, offensive line help, cornerback and more weapons for quarterback Jayden Daniels. The Commanders addressed most of those needs in Adam Peters’ second draft as Washington’s general manager.
Here are six takeaways from the Commanders’ 2025 NFL draft.
Commanders like a specific athletic profile
1. Kicking us off is the #Commanders, who also ranked 1st in 2024. This year they lead the pack with an average 8.986 #RAS, with every one of their players qualifying and all of them falling into elite range over 8.00. pic.twitter.com/QYaMPqNT3P
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 27, 2025
For the second straight year, no team had a higher Relative Athletic Score (RAS) than the Commanders. Not only is character important to Peters and head coach Dan Quinn, but athleticism is also critical. Every player that Washington has picked over the last two years ranks among the highest at their respective positions in RAS. All five 2025 draft picks finished with an RAS of 8.29 or above, with four going over 9.0. Most of Washington’s picks fall under the elite category in the explosion, speed and agility sections. The Commanders needed to add speed and they did again with their 2025 class.
Quality over quantity
Yes, the Commanders needed more picks. Because, after all, the more chances you get, the odds are more in your favor of hitting on your picks. So, if you have 10 picks, the statistical odds are better that you’ll find starting-caliber players than if you have just five picks. However, Peters had opportunities to trade out of the No. 29 and No. 61 positions but stayed put, selecting offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. and cornerback Trey Amos, respectively. Washington knew that teams interested in trading up late in the first round were interested in Conerly. The Commanders had a first-round grade on Amos, so instead of trading back for more picks, Peters stuck to his board and drafted the best player.
It makes sense. Why trade the pick if you really love the player? Trading back to acquire more picks is important, but that only works if a team feels it can land a comparable player by moving back. In Washington’s case, Conerly and Amos outweighed the risks of trading back and landing a lesser player. Peters has proven he’s not afraid to make big deals.
This offseason was all about Jayden Daniels
The Commanders know they have a franchise quarterback. They also recognize that they need to do a better job of providing Jayden Daniels with more support. This entire offseason has been about surrounding Daniels with more talent while he’s on his rookie contract. Washington’s offensive line showed signs of wear last season. Peters knew the free-agent class was weak, so he struck a deal with the Houston Texans to land five-time Pro Bowl tackle Laremy Tunsil. On Saturday, Peters brought in more help, selecting offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. in the first round. These two moves allow Brandon Coleman to move from left tackle to either right tackle or guard.
Washington also selected versatile wide receiver Jaylin Lane and Arizona running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who will both have roles next season. Peters did not listen to the fans about signing a ton of external free agents or going all-in on the defense. He made the moves that will help his quarterback the most. That’s what good teams do.
Peters is solidifying premium positions
There are four premium positions in the NFL: quarterback, offensive tackle (QB’s blind side), cornerback and edge rusher. Since taking over last year, Peters has found his quarterback and used multiple resources to fix the cornerback and offensive tackle positions. Last year, Washington began training camp with former first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes, Benjamin St-Juste, Noah Igbinoghene, Michael Davis and rookie Mike Sainristil at cornerback. Only Sainristil and Igbinoghene are back. The Commanders traded for former Pro Bowl corner Marshon Lattimore, signed veteran Jonathan Jones in free agency, and used a second-round pick on Trey Amos. Now, that’s a strong and deep group of capable starters, some with the versatility to play inside and outside.
Offensive tackle has undergone a similar makeover. The Commanders added Tunsil via trade and spent a first-round pick on Conerly. Washington used a third-round pick on Coleman last season. The position is much stronger now.
Finally, there is edge rusher…..more on that.
Commanders like their edge rushers
You didn’t hear too much complaining about Washington not choosing an edge rusher. The Commanders did extensive homework on the position, and while they liked some players, they trusted their board. They also like their current group. Dorance Armstrong is back at one starting position, while veteran Deatrich Wise can help with the pass rush and defend the run at the other starting spot. The Commanders also have others, including linebacker Frankie Luvu, who will help the pass rush. Washington also has veterans Clelin Ferrell and Jacob Martin, and young developmental pass rushers like Andre Jones and Javontae Jean-Baptiste.
While this group has some solid pieces, it could use some more juice. Assistant GM Lance Newmark hinted at the possibility of adding a veteran pass rusher at some point, a list that includes Von Miller and Za’Dairus Smith. Newmark didn’t mention names, but those are the most prominent names. The Commanders will likely add another player, allowing them the opportunity to focus on solidifying the position in 2026.
More weapons for Daniels
Wide receiver was a sneaky need for Washington. Remember, Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel are free agents in 2026. While McLaurin will likely receive a lucrative extension sooner rather than later, the Commanders must begin layering the positions with playmakers. They added Samuel via trade in March. On Saturday, Washington spent a fourth-round pick on wide receiver Jaylin Lane. Lane is criminally underrated due to Virginia Tech’s poor offensive structure and questionable quarterback play. He brings elite speed to the offense and the versatility to play inside or outside. Oh, and he’ll likely also be the punt returner.
The Commanders also drafted running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the seventh round. Croskey-Merritt is also underrated due to a quirky eligibility issue that resulted in him playing only one game last season. He is an immediate threat to push for playing time in Washington’s veteran backfield.
As we discussed with the offensive line, Peters is ensuring that Daniels has everything around him to be successful for a long time.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: 2025 NFL draft: 6 takeaways from Commanders’ draft weekend
