Breaking down Commanders' picks in new 7-round mock draft

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We're less than one month away from the 2025 NFL draft, and teams are scrambling to complete their evaluation processes so they can make their lists of players they'd like to bring in if they're available. The Washington Commanders handled a lot of their business during free agency, but they still have five picks to make in the draft. ESPN's Matt Miller recently released a full seven-round mock draft, and he has the Commanders nailing things down defensively.

From the Titans' selection at No. 1 to the Chiefs' slot at the end of Round 7, here’s every single pick in the 2025 NFL draft.https://t.co/kdFyqfYmAN

— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) March 27, 2025

29. Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M

The Commanders have undergone defensive line changes this offseason, with longtime starting defensive tackle Jonathan Allen departing and Javon Kinlaw being added. But Washington still needs a premier outside pass rusher, and Stewart has the traits to be great. The 6-5 Stewart put on a show at the combine after losing 14 pounds from the Senior Bowl (281 to 267), running a 4.59 40 while leaping 40 inches in the vertical and 10 feet, 11 inches in the broad jump.

He has the length, speed and power of an All-Pro, but he must learn how to turn his traits into production. He only had 4.5 sacks in three college seasons (1.5 each year) and his run defense impact doesn't jump off the tape. He's the ultimate upside prospect with double-digit sack potential. Stewart would be a huge steal here if he can put everything together, but the disconnect between his measurables and on-field production could cause him to fall to this point.

The first pick is on point. The Commanders are still missing a true edge rusher, and the draft is the perfect place to answer that question. Stewart has all of the intangibles: size, length, and athleticism. Learning how to use his body appropriately in the NFL will be key to his success, and if the Commanders can nab him, they'll have one less position to worry about. There are concerns about Stewart's lack of college production.

61. Kevin Winston Jr., S, Penn State

The Commanders signed Will Harris in free agency but should add even more to the secondary. Winston has the big-hitter mentality that an NFL strong safety needs. He lacks experience and polish and missed much of this past season with a torn ACL, but his tape shows an elite-level tackler who rarely misses when running at angles or in alleys. He has the size to consistently hold his ground against tight ends and will fight for the ball in traffic. Winston has starter traits with potential to develop as a playmaker.

Another defensive addition, Winston is a depth add. Someone who will need some development, but will eventually be a solid professional player.

The Commanders don't have a third-round pick, and in the fourth round, Miller has them pivoting to offense. With the 128th pick, acquired from the Houston Texans, Miller has the Commanders selecting running back Trevor Etienne out of Georgia.

Depth at running back isn't a bad thing. Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler both spent time on the sidelines with injuries in 2024. Robinson had an up-and-down year, while Ekeler was outstanding in his role. Having additional help will be a good thing going forward.

The Commanders do not have a fifth-round pick, so in the sixth round, they select cornerback Tommi Hill out of Nebraska to bolster their secondary. More defensive depth is never bad.

In the seventh and final round, Miller predicts the Commanders will select Ricky White III, a wide receiver from UNLV.

The Commanders have five picks in the 2025 NFL draft, and Miller predicts they will use three of those picks on the defensive side of the ball. Given that they made adjustments to the offense in free agency, it makes sense that they will use the draft to upgrade their defense. They don't have a lot of draft capital this year, but it's okay because they've made adjustments in other ways, and it's probably fair to say that Adam Peters still isn't done.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders address multiple needs in new 7-round mock draft

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