The Washington Commanders own the No. 61 selection in April's 2025 NFL draft.
This year, in the first two rounds, the Commanders will select Nos. 29 and 61. There has already been much conversation regarding No. 29, so how about No. 61? Looking at recent Washington drafting history, how have they performed drafting around 61?
- OT Brandon Coleman was drafted last year at No. 67. He mostly played guard at TCU, and the Commanders asked a lot of him to convert to left tackle. The trade for LT Laremy Tunsil does not mean Adam Peters has lost confidence in being a starting NFL lineman. Coleman will likely be asked to start at right tackle this year.
- RB Antonio Gibson was selected at No. 66 in 2020. Gibson has thus far rushed for 3,181 yards (23 rushing touchdowns) and collected 195 receptions for 1,489 receiving yards (seven receiving touchdowns).
- Terry McLaurin was not drafted until the 76th selection in the 2019 NFL draft. Analysts actually talked of McLaurin as a good addition to special teams. Jay Gruden, however, knew right away that McLaurin was the best receiver on the team. For five straight seasons, McLaurin has 1,000+ receiving yards and 38 touchdowns.
- In 2018, one of the most talented players in the draft fell to No. 59. Derrius Guice never produced for Washington, was injured, and then got in trouble with the law. A very talented player might very well be available at No. 61, but there may be red flags as to why he has fallen to No. 61.
- OT Morgan Moses from Virginia was selected No. 66 overall in 2014. Moses has played in 166 NFL games, starting 158. Having played 11 NFL seasons, Moses was a good value pick at No. 66.
So, Washington has several examples of good value at picks around No. 61. The Guice selection is a good reminder of why some players fall sharply in the draft: there is much more risk involved.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Commanders can find good value at No. 61 overall
