The Washington Commanders are on the road looking for future franchise players in the 2025 NFL draft. Scouts, coaches, and front office personnel are attending All-Star events, the NFL combine, and pro days to get their eyes on the top prospects and even small school gems around the country.
Washington has made an effort to watch and meet with two under-the-radar defensive backs who could be draft steals.
Marcus Sheppard, CB, North Dakota State
Sheppard confirmed to me that he spoke to Washington Commanders scouts at his pro day after an impressive workout in front of several NFL teams. According to Aaron Wilson, the former Bison was clocked at a 40 time of roughly high 4.4 to mid 4.5. Marcus measured in at 5-foot-11, 190 lbs, and also ran an impressive 4.31 short shuttle, 7.19 3-cone drill, with 13 bench press reps. The 2024 national champion played his final two seasons for North Dakota State after transferring from Bowling Green. The traits that stand out the most in Sheppard's film are his footwork dropping into coverage, the fluidity in his hips, and his explosiveness in his change of direction. Marcus Sheppard is one of the top FCS corners in the 2025 NFL draft, and will be a steal for the NFL team that drafts him.
North Dakota State @NDSUfootball corner Marcus Sheppard (5-11 190) Ran fastest 40-yard time at school's Pro Day, high 4.4 to mid 4.5 hand times, 4.31 short shuttle, 7.19 3-cone, 13 bench reps. Met with seven #NFL teams at Pro Day. Trained at @XPeSports_ and All Eyes DB Camp. pic.twitter.com/8Ycce4qru3
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 4, 2025
Robert McDaniel, Safety, Jackson State
There's a really deep pool of talent for FCS prospects for the 2025 NFL draft, and Jackson State strong safety Robert McDaniel is one of the best among them. A source tells me the Commanders hosted a private dinner with the versatile defender after his impressive pro day, and also met with McDaniel at the HBCU combine back in February. This year, HBCU football is well represented in the draft with McDaniel as my top-ranked HBCU prospect, and a top 5 FCS overall player. The former Jackson State standout has made quite the impression this offseason with his numbers at the HBCU combine and the Jackson State pro day. McDaniel has the size, speed, and athleticism to line up in multiple positions for the NFL team that drafts him, making him one of the biggest gems of the draft.
Robert McDaniel is a SS prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored a 8.84 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 144 out of 1228 SS from 1987 to 2025.https://t.co/IPHF46GJYwpic.twitter.com/RiKRT0NKml
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 4, ...
