Commanders mock draft scenarios: Navigating needs, trades and desire for more picks

By / / Sports / 14 minutes of reading


Welcome to the annual “choose your adventure” Commanders-only mock draft. Previous versions were essentially an exercise in showing the butterfly effect over seven rounds, depending on which direction Washington took. This year, with the prospect evaluation consensus an illusion, exploring all potential paths is necessary.

Using the second pick on quarterback Jayden Daniels last year didn’t require a million simulations. Washington making its first pick at No. 29 does. Whereas general manager Adam Peters and coach Dan Quinn knew they would build off the Daniels selection, the uncertainty with this year’s initial decision — edge rusher? Cornerback? Offensive playmaker? Trade down? — expands the contingency plans.

That the Commanders filled or addressed apparent weaknesses in free agency means riding with a best-player-available approach is desired. Knowing Peters would love to control more than the current allotment of five picks is another wrinkle.

With Dane Brugler’s NFL Draft manifesto and Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks” list as guides, along with insight from league sources, here is a fresh six-pack of Washington-only mock drafts. As always, choose wisely.

Quotes are from Brugler’s “The Beast” unless otherwise noted. With a nod to Washington targeting team leaders last year, asterisks indicate college team captains.

Mock 1 — Oh, captains

1 (29) — Donovan Ezeiruaku, DE, Boston College*
2 (61) — Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame*
4 (128) — Jaylin Lane, WR, Virginia Tech*
6 (205) — Kain Medrano, LB, UCLA*
7 (245) — Eli Cox, C, Kentucky*
UDFA — Howard Cross III, DT, Notre Dame*

This version combines the KISS method — keep it simple, Standig — by addressing Washington’s perceived three primary needs with last year’s pursuit of prospects who served as team captains in college.

It’s one thing for football decision-makers to claim they look for leaders in the draft. The 2024 Commanders walked the walk.

“That’s exactly what we’re looking for,” Peters said following Day 2 of the 2024 draft.

Whether Washington remains as dogmatic with a limited number of picks, all six names here, including the undrafted free agent, were college captains. The final two selections leaned toward positions with depth chart openings.

The Commanders have a pass-rush need after losing last year’s sacks leader, Dante Fowler Jr., in free agency. Enter Ezeiruaku, a bendy edge rusher coming off a monster season with 16 1/2 sacks and 21 tackles for loss. The 6-foot-2, 248-pounder won’t overpower linemen but deftly uses his 82 3/4 wingspan to chop down blockers’ hands. Having sturdy ends Dorance Armstrong and Deatrich Wise Jr. will allow the 21-year-old rookie to enter the league as a pass-rush specialist while improving his strength and run-game abilities.

Brugler ranks Ezeiruaku 22nd and DE6, one spot ahead of Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr., another candidate if Washington seeks more flash off the edge. Peters covets linemen with quick 10-yard splits, and the 245-pound Pearce’s 1.56 topped all defensive ends at the combine. But, if available, the call is Ezeiruaku.

“A tad light for a stack-and-shed edge setter,” Brugler writes, “but rushing the passer is his calling card, and he has the arc acceleration, body flexibility and long, active arms to break down the balance of blockers. He has NFL starter-level talent.”

Morrison “is an athletic, technically-sound cover man who works hard to stay attached to routes and make plays on the ball.” The son of Washington defender Darryl Morrison missed the final 10 games last season following hip surgery after having a similar procedure in high school. The first-round upside exists if the medicals receive a thumbs-up. One of his father’s teammates helped teach Benjamin the game: “Uncle Darrell,” as in Hall of Fame cornerback Darrell Green.

Lane’s arrival would aid Washington in three areas: the need for speed (4.34 40 at the combine), the punt returner opening and as Deebo Samuel’s potential slot replacement in 2026. Medrano, a six-year college player, is an aggressive tackler and special teams contributor who led all linebackers at the combine with a 4.46 40 time. Seventh-rounders are rarely roster locks, but Cox would have a clear lane to supplant last season’s backup center, Michael Deiter.

Mock 2 — Stick and pick

1 (29) — Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
2 (61) — Alfred Collins, DT, Texas
4 (128) — Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State*
6 (205) — Tahj Brooks, RB, Texas Tech*
7 (245) — Tyler Batty, DE, BYU*
UDFA — Elijhah Badger, WR, Florida

This nuts-and-bolts approach isn’t sexy unless you’re into building up the trenches. The Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles endorse such infatuations, not as a one-off but as a roster-building way of life.

Take offensive tackle. This critical position isn’t an obvious target for Washington following the expensive trade for five-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil. The staff determined that 2024 third-round pick Brandon Coleman wasn’t the left tackle answer. They are giving the athletic big man a shot to shine on the right side. That works, but it’s reasonable to think the line’s ceiling is raised higher by selecting a tackle at No. 29 or 61.

Conerly, 21, is among six tackles in Brugler’s top 26 prospects. What’s essential is that Brugler only ranks two other tackles between 26 and 79. If you’re a team wanting a tackle, hustle up. A two-year starter at left tackle for the Ducks, Conerly is Brugler’s No. 23 prospect with a draft floor of late first/early second round. The 6-foot-5, 311-pound lineman has the size and athletic gifts to help the offense in pass protection and as a second-level run blocker. Washington must determine if Conerly can transition to right tackle.

The front office might look to the future at defensive tackle since seven-year starter Daron Payne’s 2026 fate may mirror Jonathan Allen’s. The 6-foot-5, 332-pound Collins offers a durable (he played 64 of 65 games for the Longhorns), hulking, disruptive run-game partner for last year’s second-round defensive tackle, the agile Johnny Newton. Burke’s game lacks flash, but 51 career starts at Ohio State make for a smoother transition against NFL perimeter receivers.

Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and running backs coach Anthony Lynn have a mental file on Brooks, a fellow Red Raider and the program’s all-time leading rusher (4,557). Brooks isn’t a speed back, but his consistency, durability and passing-down potential could lead to him challenging Jeremy McNichols for RB3 duties.

Mock 3 — On the move

Commanders trade No. 29 to Jaguars for Nos. 36, 107, 142

2 (36, via Jaguars) — Nic Scourton, DE, Texas A&M*
2 (61) — Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State
4 (107, via Jaguars) — Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State*
4 (128) — Devin Neal, RB, Kansas*
5 (142, via Jaguars) — Jalen Travis, OT, Iowa State*
6 (205) — Andres Borregales, K, Miami
7 (245) — Jared Harrison-Hunte, DT, SMU
UDFA — Ruben Hyppolite II, LB, Maryland

After playing out Washington’s five-pick holdings in the first two scenarios, it’s time to trade. This one drops the Commanders out of the first round — no fifth-year contract option — but only seven spots to pick up a fourth and fifth. The extra picks allow Peters more best-player-available consideration, though I went with obvious need areas at the top.

The choice of Scourton, Brugler’s No. 59 prospect, is about fit and vibes. Scouts love the highly competitive nature and pass-rush production from a player who led the Big Ten in sacks in 2023 as a 19-year-old team captain. Scourton’s sack totals were cut in half following a transfer to the SEC, but the 2024 second-team All-American’s 14 tackles for loss were only one shy of his 2023 output. The Aggies had Scourton bulk up to over 280 pounds last season. The 6-foot-2 lineman slimmed down to 257 at the combine and intends on remaining in the 260s during the season.

Running a 4.58 40 time at his pro day knocked Thomas out of first-round consideration, but the physical traits and press coverage skills mesh with the desires of defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.

The 6-foot-2 Horton’s route-running fluidity and punt return prowess firmly put the two-time first-team Mountain West selection in the late third/fourth-round range.

The 213-pound Neal, the Jayhawks’ all-time leading rusher, has significant run-pass option experience and offers three-down potential. Let’s see if offensive line coach Bobby Johnson can mold Travis, a 6-foot-7, 339-pound Princeton transfer, into a swing tackle. Harrison-Hunte led all defensive tackles at the combine in the 10-yard split.

Washington will add competition for kicker Zane Gonzalez, and the Commanders held a private workout with Borregales, a career 86 percent on field goals with one missed extra point in 184 attempts. Remember that in 2023, with Peters as the team’s draft lead, San Francisco used a third-round pick on kicker Jake Moody. Drafting Borregales may require a sixth-rounder.

Mock 4 — Planning for 2026

Commanders trade No. 29 to Seahawks for Nos. 50, 92, 172 and 2026 second-rounder

2 (50, via Seahawks) — Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
2 (61) — Olu Oladejo, DE, UCLA
3 (92, via Seahawks) — Josaiah Stewart, DE, Michigan*
4 (128) — Ollie Gordon II, RB, Oklahoma State*
5 (172, via Seahawks) — JJ Pegues, DT, Ole Miss
6 (205) — Jaylin Smith, CB, USC
7 (245) — R.J. Mickens, S, Clemson*
UDFA — Jamaal Pritchett, WR, South Alabama

The choices here consider Washington’s roster, which is jammed with players on expiring contracts, including running backs Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler and three edge rushers. Another goal involved replenishing 2026 selections after the Commanders traded away next year’s second and fourth in the Tunsil trade.

Mission accomplished on all fronts. Moving out of the first round to help its future self meant not making a pick until No. 50. That’s less of a concern this year, with consensus on positional and overall rankings varying significantly, though this drop cost the hope of landing Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson. The RB class becomes a personal taste buffet after the top 3-4 options.

The Commanders can deploy a solid cornerback rotation with Marshon Lattimore, Mike Sainristil, Jonathan Jones and Noah Igbinoghene. Solid isn’t always enough, and only Sainristil is a lock to be on the 2026 roster.

Like Scourton, don’t be surprised if Revel, a “boundary bully with terrific speed, length and ball-tracking skills,” goes off the board much earlier than expected. Based on conversations with various sources, the imposing Revel receives more love from league evaluators than public big boards. There’s understandable trepidation, considering his non-power conference competition and recovery from an ACL tear that has sidelined him since September. One prominent scouting source has Revel third among the corners behind Travis Hunter and Will Johnson.

Oladejo’s in-season transition from green-dot linebacker to an attacking edge rusher impressed scouts, as did being named Senior Bowl defensive MVP. The raw skills and chiseled frame are apparent. Oladejo’s pass-rushing plan needs refinement, but he has three-down potential and pre-draft buzz. Washington won’t need to force the 21-year-old into action. Doubling down with the 249-pound Stewart, an explosive pass rusher and the only FBS prospect in this draft class with 30 career sacks, triples the number of edge defenders on the roster under 25.

Oklahoma State’s winless Big 12 campaign hampered Gordon’s output; the 226-pounder’s rushing yardage declined from 1,732 in 2023 to 880 yards last season. Scouts aren’t forgetting that 2023 tape. Gordon is a “threat any time he touches the rock,” Brugler wrote. There is a 2-for-1 potential with Pegues. The 6-foot-2, 309-pounder compiled seven sacks and 22 tackles for loss over his final two seasons — and converted 85.7 percent (18-for-21) of his short-yardage carries in 2024. Smith played outside, slot and strong safety for the Trojans, and, like Mickens, finished college as a three-year starter.

Mock 5 — Maximize Jayden Daniels

Commanders trade No. 61 to 49ers for Nos. 75 and 100

1 (29) — Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State*
3 (75, via 49ers) — Savion Williams, WR, TCU*
3 (100, via 49ers) — Anthony Belton, OT, NC State
4 (128) — Wyatt Milum, G/T, West Virginia
6 (205) — Teddye Buchanan, LB, California*
7 (245) — Luke Lachey, TE, Iowa*
UDFA — Marcus Yarns, RB, Delaware

Here’s a different way to grow Washington’s draft stockpile. Trading their late second-round selection nets the Commanders a late third-rounder. Selecting two offensive linemen allows Washington to trade Andrew Wylie — needy teams won’t find much immediate tackle help. Sticking almost exclusively to offense expands the possibilities around Daniels, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Egbuka is a luxury pick for 2025 purposes. The 6-foot receiver with 4.48 40 speed primarily worked from the slot in Columbus, where he joined Marvin Harrison Jr. as the only players with two 1,000-yard seasons for the Buckeyes. However, given Samuel’s injury history and Washington’s unsettled receiver rotation after Terry McLaurin, Samuel and Noah Brown, the impressive route runner would be a short- and long-term hedge.

Brugler described his No. 28 prospect and WR4 as “a very quarterback-friendly target — not because he is bigger, stronger or faster than defenders, but because he understands detailed subtleties to uncover and command the catch point.” Experience in the return game gives the staff another way to get Egbuka the ball.

From the refined Egbuka to the physically imposing Williams. Based on his role at TCU, consider the 6-foot-3, 227-pound receiver/gadget a bigger and faster (4.48) Samuel. Williams has a knack for making contested catches, was credited for 40 broken tackles on 111 offensive touches last season, and will line up at times in the backfield. Enjoy, Kliff.

Stockpiling offensive linemen is good business, especially with a quarterback talent like Daniels. Washington invited Belton, a three-year tackle starter, to Tuesday’s group “30” visit and held a private workout for Milum, a college tackle expected to transition inside. Both could go a round higher, depending on how aggressively teams draft offensive linemen. Perhaps the Commanders conclude this vision by trading Wylie for a late Day 3 pick or a round bump up.

Buchanan, a football-smart team captain for two college programs, would hone his Mike linebacker traits playing behind Bobby Wagner. Lachey, the son of former Washington Super Bowl-winning tackle Jim, has quality hands and red zone size.

Mock 6 — YOLO

Commanders trade Nos. 29, 128 and 2026 third-rounder to Broncos for No. 20 and 2026 sixth-rounder

Commanders trade No. 61 to Patriots for Nos. 77, 106 and 238

Commanders trade No. 77 to Jaguars for Nos. 107, 126, 142 and 2026 fourth-rounder

Commanders trade No. 142 to Vikings for 2026 fourth-rounder

1 (20, via Broncos) — Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina*
4 (106, via Patriots) — Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Virginia Tech
4 (107, via Jaguars) — Jordan Phillips, DT, Maryland
4 (126, via Jaguars) — David Walker, DE, Central Arkansas*
6 (205) — Cody Lindenberg, LB, Minnesota
7 (238, via Patriots) — Tommy Mellott, QB, Montana State*
7 (245) — Da’Quan Felton, WR, Virginia Tech*
UDFA — Wyett Ekeler, S, Wyoming

Only two rules applied with this version:

• Target athletic prospects mentioned in the “Freaks” story. Everyone here except the quarterback is a freaky list alum — yes, including Austin Ekeler’s younger brother.

• Make moves like nobody is watching.

We also dialed back the importance of drafting college captains, but not completely. Four trades are fun for everyone but my editor. Here is the net result:

• Washington gives: Nos. 29, 61, 128 and 2026 third.

• Washington receives: Nos. 20, 106, 107, 126, 238; two 2026 fourth-rounders and a sixth.

Having already dealt a 2026 second and fourth, trading away a third-round pick next season might make Peters break out in hives. Still, these trades have Washington back holding the standard seven picks in 2026 after shipping two to Houston. As for this year, league sources view the fourth round as the sweet spot — the round where good players, pushed too far down due to positional depth, become strong value picks, particularly defensive line and running back. The Commanders have three selections in that round.

The primary expense involves the trade-up to 20. That type of investment for a non-core position is frowned upon in GM 101 courses. Emmanwori, the No. 1 player on the latest “Freaks” list, warrants an exception. Few footballers run a 4.38 40 time at 6-foot-3, 220 pounds and post a 43-inch vertical leap and 11-foot-6 broad jump. Those final two numbers led all players at the combine.

This isn’t only about measurables. Emmanwori, 21, shone over his three seasons with the Gamecocks. Washington’s defense finished near the bottom of the league in 2024 with only 17 turnovers, seven interceptions. Brugler’s No. 17-rated prospect returned two of his four interceptions for touchdowns last season and is perhaps best suited to tangle in the box.

Tuten earned his way onto the “Freaks” list with blazing speed (4.32), basketball hops (40-inch vertical) and strength (benched 400 pounds). His fourth-round projection stems from the ability to channel his athletic gifts into production. The projected passing-down back averaged 6.3 yards per carry in 2024 and 23.8 yards on kick returns for his career with two touchdowns.

Brugler describes the toolsy Phillips, 20, as “a dancing bear with big-man twitch and commanding power” who needs more technique to unlock his “immense talent.” Walker, a three-time FCS All-American and incoming 25-year-old rookie, made 33.8 percent of his career tackles in the backfield, including 31 sacks.

I believe in drafting a quarterback nearly every year. Washington signing Josh Johnson directly hindered that desire, but teams are reportedly eyeing Mellott for a position switch to receiver. The Commanders were expected to work out Mellott pre-draft. Teams will take chances on 6-foot-5 receivers with 4.5 40-time speed like Felton.

(Photo of Emeka Egbuka: Michael Reaves / Getty Images)





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