The Washington Commanders are going into the 2025 NFL draft with only five picks after a multitude of trades for impact players Deebo Samuel, Marshon Lattimore, and Laremy Tunsil. General manager Adam Peters knows how to make the most of every pick and maximize value, so I wanted to do a mock draft on how Washington could draft without any trades for additional picks.
Round: 1 Pick: 29
James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
Washington needs to find its franchise defensive end, and James Pearce Jr. falling to the Commanders is the best-case scenario for pick 29. Pearce Jr. is an elite athlete with a twitch that will translate to the NFL on Day 1. The Commanders need someone who can get to the quarterback, and Pearce Jr.'s 21 sacks over the last two seasons with a 23.3% pressure rate (1st in FBS in 2024) would instantly improve the defensive front as a whole.
The Commanders also struggled to stop the run last season, and James recorded a 10.1% run stop rate in 2024 despite his slimmer frame at 6-foot-5, 245 pounds. The 21-year-old prospect still has more to his game that can be polished up, but he already has elite quickness to breeze past offensive tackles with his bend and hand usage. James Pearce Jr. is a game-changing play waiting to happen on the defensive side of the ball, and Washington is in dire need of that kind of player.
James Pearce Jr. vs. Alabama:
— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) February 16, 2025
➖ 10 Pressures
➖ 1.5 Sacks
➖ 3 Run Stops
➖ 28.1% Pass-Rush Win Rate
Enjoy some All-22 highlights below… pic.twitter.com/CfnSkzEYNc
Round: 2 Pick: 61
Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida State
Washington hit the jackpot on Mike Sainristil in the second round last year, and could do the same in 2025 by drafting outside corner Azareye'h Thomas with pick 61. Thomas is a lengthy corner at 6-foot-1, 197 pounds with 32.3" arms that can redirect wide receivers in their routes. The former Seminole excels in press-man coverage where he can jam a team's top receiver at the line, and dominate each rep stride for stride at their hips. Azareye'h displays smooth hip movement and change of direction to make a break on the ball at any time, and didn't allow a single touchdown in coverage last season.
This would be an incredible value for the Commanders in the second round, but a deep cornerback class makes this selection a possibility. The Commanders hope to see a fully healthy Marshon Lattimore in 2025. They could also move Mike Sainristil back into the slot position to give Washington a shutdown corner trio with the addition of Thomas. Washington would have their next franchise corner with Thomas, who will still be under 25 years old after his rookie contract.
Azareye’h Thomas is a press-man TECHNICIAN.
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF)
He allowed a 50.2 passer rating in 2024, including 5 PBUs, 1 pick, and 0 TDs allowed.
At 6’2 200lbs, he has an elite height-weight speed combo on the boundary that teams will love.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see him drafted round 1. pic.twitter.com/Gv7Gi4UJsKSave Story Topics in this Story
