The Washington Commanders are in a much different position this April than last. One year ago, Washington was taking a quarterback at No. 2 overall. To hear them tell it, it was always Jayden Daniels. That move turned out to be the best the franchise has made in many years, and Daniels helped turn around Washington’s fortunes from a four-win team to one that won 12 and made the NFC championship game.
As a result of last year’s success, the Commanders are not on the clock until No. 29 overall in next week’s 2025 NFL draft. And while Washington is not in the quarterback market now, you can consider several prospects out of reach. The Commanders badly need an edge rusher. Abdul Carter is not getting past No. 3 overall. Could you imagine Travis Hunter in Washington? That is not happening, as he will not fall past the third overall pick.
In other words, Carter and Hunter would be dream scenarios for the Commanders. Speaking of dream prospects, we look at six players Washington would love to draft next week. We excluded any player projected to go inside the top five.
Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty
We said it was dream prospects, right? Everyone fully expects Ashton Jeanty to go inside the top 10, most likely at No. 6 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders. This is a loaded running back class, but Jeanty is so good that someone will spend a top-10 pick on him. Could you imagine Jeanty in the same backfield as Jayden Daniels? The Commanders will have an improved offensive line next season, and with a back like Jeanty, the rushing attack could go from great to unstoppable.
Missouri OT Armand Membou
Membou is arguably the draft’s top offensive line prospect. He’s unlikely to make it out of the top 10. A three-year starter in the SEC, Membou is an immediate plug-and-play starter at right tackle for Washington, allowing Brandon Coleman to play guard. Membou could play left tackle in the NFL, but many believe he’s better suited to play on the right side. Membou has the size, athleticism and footwork to become a Pro Bowl tackle for the next decade.
Texas CB Jahdae Barron
The Commanders hosted Barron on a top-30 visit this week. They understand he’s likely not falling to them at No. 29, but if Washington sees Barron begin to slide, could GM Adam Peters consider moving up to acquire an elite secondary piece? Barron is an immediate difference-maker who can play outside cornerback, in the slot, or at safety. He would immediately end any concerns about Washington’s depth and talent in the secondary. And you would be adding high-level cornerbacks two years in a row. Remember, the Commanders selected Mike Sainristil last season.
Penn State TE Tyler Warren
It’s difficult to see Warren making it past No. 10. At the least, Warren will not make it out of the top 15. Warren has everything that NFL teams covet in a modern tight end. He has the size, power and athleticism to be a Day 1 contributor in the passing game. Warren catches everything, runs great routes, is a capable blocker and a phenomenal teammate. There aren’t a lot of holes in his game. We’ve seen what Travis Kelce has meant to Patrick Mahomes. Could you imagine Warren as Kelce to Daniels’ Mahomes? We said it was a dream. Right?
Georgia EDGE Jalon Walker
Of the prospects we’ve listed thus far, Jalon Walker has the best chance to slide to the Commanders. It’s still doubtful, but some have mixed opinions on Walker. The problem is Walker’s size. He lacks the size of a traditional dominant NFL edge rusher, and he’s built more like an off-ball linebacker. The good news is that he combines the skills of both, which would allow head coach Dan Quinn to move him around. You can bet Peters and Quinn would love Walker’s intangibles. He’s often praised for his leadership and work ethic. Walker falling to Washington at No. 29 would qualify as a dream scenario because his best football is ahead of him. And you would love the chances of Quinn to get the most out of Walker.
Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell
When the draft process began, Jihaad Campbell went to the Commanders in some mock drafts. However, over the past few months, Campbell has almost always landed in the top 20. Campbell is in a similar position to Walker, although they are built differently. Campbell is taller and thinner, but is an excellent athlete. There is some inexperience in his game. While he played linebacker at Alabama, he displayed excellent pass-rushing potential. Like with Walker, could you imagine Campbell playing for Dan Quinn and going after opposing quarterbacks? Campbell has elite athletic traits, so he’s shooting up the boards. He’s young and raw, but coachable. Washington would be happy with Campbell because of his upside and versatility.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: 2025 NFL draft: 6 dream prospects for Commanders in Round 1