Commanders urged to make surprising move in NFL Draft

An NFL analyst suggests that the Washington Commanders make a move to help the team build their roster in the draft.

Nov 10, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn celebrates on the sidelines after an interception pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images / Amber Searls-Imagn Images

The Washington Commanders hold the 29th pick in this year's NFL Draft after their surprising season last year.

Led by quarterback Jayden Daniels, the Commanders have a chance to build on their success and build their roster for the future.

ESPN’s Bill Barnwell believes Washington should trade down in the draft to help them build some more draft capital.

READ MORE: Are the Washington Commanders the most improved team after free agency?

Jan 18, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) warms up prior to the game against Detroit Lions in a 2025 NFC divisional round game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images / Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

“This one might feel like a surprise,” Barnwell wrote. “The Commanders were last year's surprise contenders. Teams with a star quarterback on a rookie deal typically get aggressive and move up the board, since they can use free agency to supplement their roster and aren't as reliant on adding cost-controlled starters around their signal-caller.”

Barnwell does explain that Washington is in an uncommon situation with their roster.

"Washington is in a bit of a unique spot, Barnwell wrote." While Jayden Daniels starred as a rookie, it had the league's seventh-oldest team on a snap-weighted basis. Commanders fans might point out that imports like tight end Zach Ertz and linebacker Bobby Wagner were outliers impacting those numbers, but they're both back in starting roles for 2025."

The Commanders do not need to add a lot of pieces during this offseason. The team is being urged to make small changes and build on what they already have to compete for a championship next season. Fans will be interested to see what the team will do during the NFL draft.

---

READ MORE: Super Bowl winning quarterback signs with Commanders' rival

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2025 offseason.

More Washington Commanders News

• Former Commanders assistant coach hired by Georgia Bulldogs

• Analyst's favorite and least favorite Commanders move both on defense

• Commanders make some questionable picks in four-round mock NFL Draft

• Commanders should still be targeting $30+ million edge defender