What a difference a year can make. At this time in 2024, the Washington Commanders were largely aimless ahead of an NFL Draft that had them set to draft second overall. But, the selection of Jayden Daniels with that pick flipped the entire franchise on its head.

Daniels and multiple other rookie contributors, as well as a crowded free agent class of veterans, helped the Washington Commanders to a 12-5 record in the 2024 regular season, and took them all the way to the NFC Championship game.

Though the Commanders came up short to the eventual world champion Philadelphia Eagles, 2024 was a roaring success for Daniels’ squad. Now, after a deep playoff run, the task for the Commanders is to build upon that success — starting with the 29th pick in April’s first round, and seven picks in total.

Read on for the Washington Commanders’ 2025 NFL Draft outlook.

Washington Commanders Needs & Draft Strategy

The Washington Commanders are in one of the most envious positions in the NFL and, really, all of sports. With a bona fide franchise quarterback in Jayden Daniels in the early stages of his rookie contract, Washington can commit big money to free agents to add high level talent, and utilize their picks — starting at the back end of the first round — to target specific needs.

The top need for the Commanders is on the edge, where a pass rusher could help to transform their defense. Dante Fowler Jr., a long-time Dan Quinn favorite, is a free agent in March and after a double-digit sack season, could look for a long-term payday elsewhere.

Though the ‘Manders were a middle-of-the-road defense, in terms of pass rush productivity, in 2024, with a defensive-minded head coach it’s safe to assume they want to crank that production up by a considerable margin.

Sticking in the trenches but looking to the other side of the ball, Washington’s second greatest need in the draft is along the offensive line. While any spot could be improved upon, it has almost nothing at tackle and thus, that would be where it would likely look to first.

Not only were the Commanders in the bottom 10 in sacks allowed last year, ranking 25th in the league with 50 allowed, but Daniels’ protection completely crumbled when their best lineman in Sam Cosmi suffered a serious injury in the postseason. That regression, with just one player’s removal, speaks to the absence of talent across the offensive line.

The third obvious, glaring need in Washington also serves to aid Daniels, and that’s at wide receiver. Despite Daniels’ tremendous rookie campaign, the Commanders finished below league average in passing last year, and a lack of weapons is a huge reason why.

Though veteran wideout Terry McLaurin finally had the type of number one wide receiver season he’s long been thought to be capable of, the Commanders had nobody behind him. At 34 years old, tight end Zach Ertz was the team’s second leading receiver with 66 catches and 654 yards — and he’ll now head into free agency. At receiver, Daniels did brilliantly to wring production out of journeymen like Olamide Zaccheaus, Noah Brown, and Dyami Brown, but to add another genuine talent like McLaurin to the offense would do wonders.

Potential Washington Commanders Draft Picks 2025

After having the pick of the litter last year, selecting second overall, the Washington Commanders will likely miss out on the top talent at nearly every crucial position as they select 29th overall. That is completely OK for the Commanders, who can find difference makers at their positions of need.

The draft’s top prospects on the edge will be long gone, but if the Commanders look to use pick 29 on a pass rusher, they will have options. A player like Georgia’s Jalon Walker oozes athleticism and exciting traits, and could potentially feast early playing alongside the Commanders’ outstanding defensive tackles.

Alternatively, lesser prospects like Marshall’s Mike Green, Mississippi’s Jared Ivey, or Texas A&M’s Shemar Turner could find themselves in the first round picture if their athletic testing backs up promising college performances. Green, in particular, would be a fascinating fit as a speed rusher alongside Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne.

Along the offensive line, quality tackle options would be available at the back end of the first round. Either of Texas’s Kelvin Banks Jr. or Missouri’s Armand Membou could slide right in. With Jayden Daniels’ ability to extend plays, finding linemen who can sustain their blocks will be crucial.

It’s a good year to need a wide receiver two, like the Commanders. Outside of the top two wideouts, any of the rest of the top 10 could fit in opposite Terry McLaurin. Tre Harris, Matthew Golden, Jalen Royals, or Pat Bryant are the type of big-bodied receivers with a skill set that would complement McLaurin beautifully.