Reviewing the Commanders 2025 draft.
Last time we assessed how the Commanders did in the early rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. This time we will take a look at the later round picks – and assess the offseason as a whole. Let’s get to it!
Washington’s fifth round pick was effectively wide receiver Deebo Samuel, in a trade with San Francisco. The more you say that out loud the better that trade sounds, right?!
In the sixth round we picked linebacker Kain Medrano from UCLA. While later round picks are not the most glamorous, there is something about this guy that suggests he might be a late round steal.
Once again, with Bobby Wagner, one of the greatest linebackers in history, we have a rookie paired with a great talent.
Looking at his profile, it looks like they might shift him to safety. He will also be useful in special teams as his weakness seems to be tackling.
I think Peters and linebackers coach, Ken Norton Jr, see a rough stone they can mould into a diamond. I also note he is another team captain, a leader, which I think fits with the new mould of Washington players.
Finally, in the seventh round Washington picked running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
He remains a bit of a dark horse as he was ineligible for all but one game last year. I wanted us to pick up a different player. Ideally, I would have loved Cam Skattebo, but he went in the fourth round 23 picks ahead of ours.
That was never really on the cards unless we had traded back. There is no comparison, but I note Redskins running back Alfred Morris was picked in the sixth round in 2012, and his 2012 year paired up with Robert Griffin III was awesome, so you never know if a late round pick might be a bit of a gem.
Here is to hoping!
Summarising the offseason so far
In summary, it seems like we had a good, if not great, draft, especially if you think of Marshon Lattimore and Samuel being part of this draft.
As I have said before, it feels like Adam Peters is playing Moneyball – go watch the movie from 2011 – finding the talent that can fit with the plan.
While we would all love a team made of first round talent, it is simply not possible, so piecing together players who have first round talents that can fit with the group is one way to play the game. Peters appears to excel at that, and it is a pleasure to watch.
The other interesting thing to consider is the big picture. The offseason trades, the draft picks, and then the six quick undrafted free agent signings.
All those actions suggest a management team who have a plan. It seem to be built primarily around protecting and supporting our stellar quarterback Jayden Daniels.
If I had to make a random prediction based on what I have seen this offseason, I would suggest our new defensive scheme is bend but not break. Hopefully allowing the offense to outscore the other team, which sounds good to me.
The only thing I am certain of is that once I did my research on every pick, each one made me smile. I cannot wait to see what this team looks like come September.
