The Washington Commanders 2025 NFL Draft preview begins with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty as the team prepares to make its first-round selection at No. 29 overall. With a deep draft class and plenty of speculation swirling around possible targets, Commanders fans are eager to see whether the team will prioritize protection for its young quarterback, shore up its defense, or surprise everyone with a bold trade or unexpected pick.
The 2025 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 24th, and will be live from Green Bay. This marks the first time the event will be held in the historic football town. The draft will span three days, with Round 1 taking place on Thursday night, Rounds 2 and 3 on Friday, and Rounds 4 through 7 wrapping up on Saturday. Broadcast coverage will be available across multiple platforms including ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network, starting at 8:00 PM ET on opening night.
This year’s draft class is considered deep at key positions like wide receiver, offensive tackle, and edge rusher—making it an especially important event for teams looking to address multiple needs. With all 32 teams finalizing their boards, anticipation is high not only for the top picks but also for the surprises, trades, and late-round gems that define every NFL Draft.
Washington Commanders 2025 Team Needs
The Commanders’ team roster is still in transition under new leadership and a revamped front office. While the addition of Jayden Daniels provides a long-term answer at quarterback, surrounding him with the right talent is now priority number one. The offensive line requires attention, especially in lieu of the Sam Cosmi injury late last year.
Defensively, the Commanders are still looking for replacements for both Montez Sweat and Chase Young. Edge rusher is a glaring hole, and Head Coach Dan Quinn would surely love to infuse his unit with speed and aggression off the edge. Linebacker depth and coverage ability also remain questionable, and the secondary could use an infusion of talent, especially at cornerback.
The Commanders need difference-makers at premium positions. This draft will undoubtedly be about building a complete team around their new franchise signal-caller.
Washington Commanders 2025 NFL Draft Preview: Predictions
Wide Receiver
Emeka Egbuka
Wide Receiver – Ohio State – 6’1″ – 205 lbs – Senior
Precise route-runner with explosive agility; offers a reliable target and red-zone threat for Jayden Daniels.
Source: Joe DeLeone, Pro Football Network
Luther Burden III
Wide Receiver – Missouri – 5’11” – 208 lbs – Junior
Electric RAC ability and instinctive vertical threat; provides explosive playmaking for the offense.
Source: Pro Football Network
Edge Rushers
Donovan Ezeiruaku
Edge Rusher – Boston College – 6’2″ – 248 lbs – Senior
Explosive pass rusher known for his agility and quickness; fits Dan Quinn’s defensive scheme.
Source: Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports
Jihaad Campbell
Linebacker/Edge Rusher – Alabama – 6’3″ – 244 lbs – Junior
Athletic linebacker with potential as a pass-rushing specialist; draws comparisons to Micah Parsons.
Source: FanSided
Mike Green
Edge Rusher – Marshall – 6’3″ – 250 lbs – Senior
FBS leader in sacks with 17.0; suddenness and burst make him an immediate edge presence.
Source: Jordan Reid, ESPN
Cornerbacks
Benjamin Morrison
Cornerback – Notre Dame – 6’0″ – 185 lbs – Junior
Experienced cornerback with strong coverage skills; brings playoff experience to the secondary.
Source: Sportskeeda
Trey Amos
Cornerback – Ole Miss – 6’1″ – 197 lbs – Senior
Physical cornerback with experience and aggression; fits well into the Commanders’ secondary.
Source: David Harrison, Sports Illustrated
Maxwell Hairston
Cornerback – Kentucky – 6’1″ – 185 lbs – Junior
Instinctive cornerback; addresses question marks in the secondary even after acquiring Marshon Lattimore.
Source: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN
There seems to be a strong consensus among analysts that the Commanders are likely to focus on strengthening their secondary and receiving corps.
Washington Commanders 2025 NFL Draft Preview: Trade Scenarios?
Could the Washington Commanders trade their 29th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft?
Absolutely.
With the right situation – surely adding to only five draft picks coud be a strategy waiting to be unfurled.
The semantic is always, can you find a suitable suitor?
The New Orleans Saints hold the 40th overall pick – just 11 spots back of the Commanders 29th pick. Could Adam Peters shake out the Saints number 93 pick in the third round to cement the deal?
If we use the traditional Jimmy Johnson draft value chart, the Draft Pick Values are as follows:
Pick 29: 640 points; Pick 40: 500 points; Pick 93: 128 points?
Total for Picks 40 & 93: 500 + 128 = 628 points
The combined value of picks 40 and 93 is slightly less than the value of pick 29, with a difference of 12 points. In the context of the draft value chart, this is a minimal discrepancy and could be considered a fair trade, especially if the Commanders aim to acquire more picks to address multiple roster needs.? The Commanders could even seek to get another late round pick in 2025 or even 2026 in this scenario.
It’s just one example, but there are dozens of mathematical scenarios that can be ironed out, so again, it’s just a question of finding a fit.
Regardless, watching the entire First Round only to find out that the Commanders won’t pick until day two is a distinct possibility.
Washington Commanders 2025 NFL Draft Preview: Final Thoughts
The Washington Commanders enter the 2025 NFL Draft with momentum, a franchise quarterback in Jayden Daniels, and a list of roster needs that make every pick count. Whether they stand pat at No. 29, trade down to stockpile picks, or make a surprise move, one thing is certain: this draft represents a pivotal moment for a team seeking stability, identity, and a return to relevance.
For fans, all eyes will be on Green Bay as the Commanders’ brain trust takes center stage.
The wait is nearly over.
The future starts now.
