The Washington Commanders head into this week’s 2025 NFL draft with only five picks. General manager Adam Peters has many needs to address, but fortunately, Washington is in a good enough position that Peters doesn’t have to force picks.
Yes, the Commanders need an edge rusher. But Peters will not overdraft someone at No. 29 just because he needs a pass rusher. If the best player on Washington’s board at No. 29 is a running back, he will be the pick. Of course, the Commanders will not be selecting a quarterback, but most other positions will be on the table.
While Washington is likely to attempt to move back at some point in the draft, that’s not always a guarantee. It gets easier after the first round. In a new seven-round mock draft from Chad Reuter of NFL.com, Washington lands its edge rusher in the first round, followed by future Hall of Famer Bobby Wagner’s potential replacement.
We look at all of Washington’s picks with some analysis on each player.
1st round, No. 29 overall: EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku
Here’s Reuter’s analysis on Ezeiruaku:
Ezeiruaku brings speed off the edge as well as a very effective spin move. In Washington, he could be used as a designated pass rusher as a rookie, giving the team needed juice after losing leading 2024 sacker Dante Fowler in free agency.
There has been recent talk of Ezeiruaku going higher in the draft, so the Commanders would be very happy if he remained on the board at No. 29 overall.
2nd round, No. 61 overall: UCLA LB Carson Schwesinger
Last year’s fifth-round pick Jordan Magee could be Bobby Wagner’s future replacement at inside linebacker. But, if not, the Commanders have found their guy in UCLA’s Carson Schwesinger. Schwesinger has good size (6-foot-2, 242) for the position, but is an excellent athlete with elite instincts. He only started one season, but the best is yet to come for Schwesinger. Washington can give Wagner more rest in 2025 by slowly bringing Schwesinger along. Schwesinger is a former walk-on who turned into an All-American. That sounds like a Dan Quinn/Adam Peters type of guy. Did we mention that UCLA is Peters’ alma mater?
4th round, No. 128 overall: Florida CB Jason Marshall Jr.
Jason Marshall started 39 games across four seasons with the Gators. He has solid size (6-foot-0, 194) and possesses terrific athleticism. You have to love a battle-tested former SEC cornerback who started multiple seasons. Marshall was inconsistent at Florida, but Washington coach Dan Quinn is known for getting the most out of the cornerbacks he’s coached.
6th round, No. 205 overall: Arkansas WR Isaac TeSlaa
Isaac TeSlaa is big (6-foot-4, 214 pounds) and fast (4.43 40-yard dash). He really impressed NFL teams with a solid week at the Senior Bowl. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury loves mismatches, which TeSlaa can create. The 6-foot-4 TeSlaa can play in the slot or on the outside. TeSlaa could be an under-the-radar gem this late.
7th round, No. 245 overall: Syracuse RB LeQuint Allen
The Commanders get their running back. LeQuint Allen had a productive college career and would likely go higher in the draft if not for a loaded running back class. Allen may not start in 2025, but he can help the team. He is excellent in pass protection and as a receiver out of the backfield. Allen would represent good value this late.