All it took was one player from the Washington Commanders draft class in 2024 to turn the franchise around into one of the best teams in the NFC. With the 2025 NFL Draft right around the corner, this team now has an opportunity to build around its MVP-caliber quarterback with a roster capable of helping him reach the Super Bowl. Our Commanders mock draft for the 2025 NFL Draft takes a look at how Washington can help Daniels and Dan Quinn next season and beyond.
1st Round, 29th overall: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
The first priority for the Washington Commanders should be finding a No. 2 receiver for Jayden Daniels. With Tee Higgins getting taken off the board before free agency, the 2025 NFL Draft becomes the best option. Texas Longhorns wideout Matthew Golden – 6-foot – has drawn NFL comparisons to Chris Olave, as someone who can get open and make plays at all three levels. Golden also offers plenty of YAC ability, with elusiveness in the open field to turn short catches into big gains. He could immediately serve as a quality No. 2 receiver in Washington and eventually develop into a 1B receiver, creating a discount version of what the Cincinnati Bengals have with Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase.
2nd Round, 61st overall: Jordan Burch, EDGE, Oregon
The Washington Commanders defense finished the regular season. 14th in pressure rate (22.6 percent) with the fifth-highest sack rate (8 percent), but it also required one of the highest blitz rates in football. With Dante Fowler Jr. also a free agent, the need for pass-rushing depth is even more crucial. Oregon’s Jordan Burch – 6-foot-6 – offers the first-step explosiveness and a stockpile of pass-rushing moves that can immediately make him an impactful contributor on passing downs as a rookie. The Commanders coach staff will need to work with him on his pad level and he’s a below-average run defender, but he would provide Quinn with a versatile edge defender who can get after the QB.
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3rd Round, 79th overall: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Dan Quinn accomplished far more with this Commanders defense than we expected in 2024. However, there’s still a clear talent issue on this side of the ball. With a need at cornerback, Kentucky’s Maxwell Hairston would be an outstanding value pick in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He is undersized – 5-foot-11 and 179 pounds – but the ball skills, wingspan, mentality and athleticism are all traits worth betting on. With the help of the Commanders coaching staff, Hairston could develop into a nice No. 2 cornerback.
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5th Round, 147th overall: Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State
Heading into the offseason, pass-catching depth is also an issue so it’s another priority in our Commanders mock draft. With Olamide Zaccheus, Dyami Brown and Noah Brown all free agents, Washington could use more options on rookie-scale contracts. Washington State wide receiver Kyle Williams is a burner who fits perfectly with Daniels as a vertical threat. While his route tree is limited, Williams’ speed and his ability to find the football on throws 30-plus yards downfield can help him find a role at the next level. Getting a role player in the fifth round would be good value for Washington, especially in a 2025 NFL Draft class that’s thin at wide receiver.
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6th Round, 204th overall: Efton Chism III, WR, Eastern Washington
It’s the third receiver off the board in our Commanders mock draft, but Efton Chism III would play a very different role than Kyle Williams. Coming out of the same program that produced Cooper Kupp, Chism is a slot receiver who wins with his ability to get open quickly past the line of scrimmage. He could also be a punt returner for Washington, too.
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7th Round, 237th overall: Hollin Pierce, OT, Rutgers
Washington seems happy with what left tackle Brandon Coleman showed in 2024, so the focus here is adding depth to the offensive line. Rutgers tackle Hollin Pierce – 6-foot-7 and 344 pounds – immediately has the size, power and arm length you like in a prototype right tackle. He might spend his rookie season on the practice squad, but he could be a depth piece in 2025 and possibly take over at right tackle in two years.
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7th Round, 249th overall: Dan Jackson, S, Georgia
Rounding out our Commanders 7 round mock draft, Dan Quinn adds an All-SEC safety to his secondary. Georgia’s Dan Jackson, who turns 25 in November at the very least profiles as a special teams contributor thanks to his intelligence, quick reaction and motor. He could also provide some depth at safety next season, but his primary role will be on special teams.