The opinions expressed in this article do not reflect those of the team.
The Washington Commanders have the chance to add one of the top players in the 2025 draft with the 29th overall pick, but improving their roster will require more than just one good player.
As it currently stands, the Commanders will enter general manager Adam Peters' second draft with five picks. Peters, who drafted nine players in 2024, set a high standard for success moving forward, as the entire class -- plus two undrafted free agents -- made the 53-man roster last season. NFL.com's deputy editor of written content Gennaro Filice gave the Commanders' class the best grade in the league, saying "it's a brand new day for football in the nation's capital."
The Commanders will face different challenges in the 2025 draft, but their moves in free agency and trading for players like Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil gives them flexibility to take the best player available or address a need. Although Peters feels good about the current personnel on the roster, there are still plenty of positions to address, from edge rusher to cornerback and offensive line.
In preparation for the draft, Commanders.com will look at 10 players who the Commanders could draft in each round they have a pick. The Commanders currently don't have a fifth-round pick, so we're moving on to the fourth round, where they are slated to select a player at No. 128 overall.
- Trevor Etienne, RB, Georgia: Etienne's vision and quickness help him stand out among a talented running back class. He didn't hit 1,000 yards at either Florida or Georgia but knows how to score, as he had 23 rushing touchdowns and led Georgia with nine in 2024.
- Nick Nash, WR, San Jose State: Nash was a machine for the Spartans, scoring 16 touchdowns and ranking second in the FBS with 1,382 yards. He reported to the combine at 203 pounds and knows how to use his size to win contested catches. That, along with six years of experience, should be enough for a team to take a chance on him.
- Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green: The fourth round might end up being a little low for the first tight end in FBS history to be named a conference player of the year, but if Fannin somehow falls, he could be an exciting steal for a team. He set multiple FBS records in 2024 and was Bowling Green's top weapon with 10 receiving touchdowns.
- Barryn Sorrell, EDGE, Texas: Sorrell put up consistent numbers with Texas, averaging five sacks over the last three seasons. Although he might have a lower ceiling in the NFL, his reliability could help him become a solid player.
- Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State: Burke was a four-year starter for Ohio State and was an Honorable Mention All-Big Ten selection with a team-tying two interceptions in 2024. He excels at run support and has a good feel for zone coverage.
- RJ Harvey, RB, UCF: Although there are several viable options at running back this year, teams will be hard-pressed to find a player who scored as much as Harvey. He had 38 rushing touchdowns over the past two seasons and back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. He's also averaged over six yards per carry since 2022.
- Chris Paul Jr., LB, Ole Miss: Also known as Pooh Paul, the Rebels linebacker was a Third Team All-American and Second Team All-SEC for leading his team with 88 tackles to go with 3.5 sacks. He works hard and is competitive on the field -- both qualities Washington looks for in players.
- Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State: Williams is small but knows how to make plays, as he had 14 touchdowns for the Cougars last year. He also had one of the fastest 10-yard splits at the combine, so he can get separation quickly for explosive plays, which somewhat makes up for his limited route tree.
- Cobee Bryant, CB, Kansas: Although his slender frame (6-foot and 180 pounds) could scare some teams off, there's a lot to like about Bryant's skill set. He's not afraid to tackle in the run game and grabbed 10 interceptions in three years. It might take some time to develop, but Bryant has intriguing tools that could help him succeed in the NFL.
- Kyle Kennard, EDGE, South Carolina: Kennard moved up a step by transferring from Georgia Tech to South Carolina and had his best season yet with 11.5 sacks. He's another developmental project with high upside if he gets with the right coaching staff.
