UKHTTC Summer Blog Numero 1

The Washington Commanders have had a busy few months with their roster and off-field activities. Despite likely pending city challenges, there is Mayoral support for returning to the RFK site, indicating the franchise is truly back on its feet.

At UKHTTC, the summer blogging starts with an overview of free agent acquisitions and the NFL Draft 2025 for the team. This includes an assessment of whether the overall roster has improved, the rationale behind the draft decisions, and identifying any remaining gaps in the roster.

A broad view of the Commanders 2025 Draft

With limited picks available, Washington, perhaps surprisingly stayed firmly put across all five of their picks. In rounds one and two there was a sense that both players – Josh Conerly Jr. (OT) and Trey Amos (CB) were absolutely “stick to the board guys”. They also gave the Commanders increased versatility within the current roster: Mike Sainristil gave a good account of himself as an outside CB in an impressive rookie year, as did Brandon Coleman at Left Tackle.

Sainristil’s smaller size makes him an ideal nickel/slot cornerback. Likewise, Coleman is better suited as a Guard. Conerly Jr. and Amos are likely to start immediately at Right Tackle and traditional boundary CB, respectively. Whether prioritising roster versatility in early NFL draft rounds pays off remains to be seen.

Of the remaining picks, I am super intrigued by the abilities of WR Jaylin Lane who possesses legitimate speed (4.34 forty!).

The Commanders have great confidence in the coaching staff to develop talent, and Lane will have opportunities immediately in the NFL as a punt returner. Jaylin was my favourite of the draft picks for a WR group that needed some younger blood. If he can also use that speed in purely vertical routes, especially with the solid plus arm of Jayden Daniels under centre, the sky might be the limit for the Virginia Tech recruit. We also know that Head Coach Dan Quinn is big on guys focusing on their number 1 skillset – speed kills here, folks.

Free Agency

One of the toughest positions to fill is Left Tackle. The Commanders reviewed Brandon Coleman's rookie season and decided they needed a top player to protect Daniels' blindside. GM Adam Peters traded for Laremy Tunsil from the Houston Texans, giving up 2025 third- and seventh-round picks, and 2026 second- and fourth-round picks. Washington also received a 2025 fourth-round pick.

Tunsil remains a top pass protector in the NFL with two years left on his contract, lasting until he's 33. He has a cap hit of $21.35 million in 2025 and 2026, but there's no guaranteed money for the final year. It will be interesting to see if Peters wishes to meet in the middle in terms of an extension – especially with the first-round addition of Josh Conerly Jr.

Many familiar faces returned for the 2024 campaign, including LB Bobby Wagner, TE Zach Ertz, and QB Marcus Mariota. These short-term veterans wouldn't have considered Washington under the previous ownership of the franchise and their locker room presence should not be underestimated or underappreciated.

Another major trade by Peters was acquiring WR Deebo Samuel from San Francisco. While not the best route runner, Samuel is incredibly physical, reminiscent of Pierre Garçon. Kliff Kingsbury will likely leverage Deebo’s unique skill set effectively, and I have little doubt we will see a fit and raring to go contract year Samuel in D.C.

Obvious improvements and areas to address

The Commanders' offensive line has improved significantly through the draft and free agency.

The team gained a highly skilled left tackle in Tunsil and double-downed with the first-round pick of Conerly Jr, indicating Washington's intent to protect quarterback Jayden Daniels. This also allows Coleman to play in his natural guard position and moves Allegretti and Wylie into backup roles, acknowledging their capability to step in when needed.

The Strong Safety position might have taken a slightly backwards step. The outgoing Safety Jeremy Chinn can hit for real but was lost in free agency to the Las Vegas Raiders. He will be replaced by the more versatile Will Harris who arrives after a solid year in New Orleans.

DT Jon Allen exited and has been replaced by DT Javon Kinlaw, who played for the Jets in 2024 and is familiar to Peters from his time in San Francisco. Kinlaw's NFL career performance has not yet matched his physical capabilities.

The upcoming staff, including Dan Quinn, may be able to help Kinlaw reach his full potential and unleash the beast within Javon.

There is still an opportunity to acquire a veteran player – perhaps a third-down specialist – with Jadeveon Clowney being a potential option following his release from the Carolina Panthers. In 2025, Clowney is expected to set the edge rather than focusing as a pass rusher. Other possibilities include the more prominent former Lion Za'Darius Smith.

The Commanders do not necessarily require a player to match Dante Fowler Jr.'s sack total but rather seek a player who can provide a well-rounded performance.