Adam Peters is banking on experience to steer the Washington Commanders in a positive direction next season. It was a formula that brought significant success to the franchise in 2024. The general manager kept faith in his methods with aggressive moves that didn't jeopardize future financial flexibility.
An injection of youth is coming. Peters and his staff are currently finalizing plans before the 2025 NFL Draft. They only have five picks as things stand, but the Commanders are in a good spot with fewer legitimate needs to fill.
Peters could examine potential trade-down options to bolster capital. There's also the possibility of utilizing the undrafted free agent pool for unearthed diamonds who can carve out roles for themselves. Tyler Owens and Colson Yankoff both made the 53-man roster last season despite failing to hear their names called.
Some veteran players will be nervously looking over their shoulders. NFL progression waits for nobody. If Peters gets the chance to upgrade one position group through the draft, he won't hesitate to pull the trigger regardless of whether established stars become vulnerable or not.
That's all part of the business, and it's been a long time since the Commanders were run with such professionalism. On this topic, here are five players who could get demoted by draft picks in 2025.
Commanders players who could lose their spots to draft picks in 2025
Dominique Hampton - Commanders LB
According to ESPN's depth chart projection, Dominique Hampton is currently listed as the third starting linebacker alongside Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu. That seems highly unlikely, but the team's lack of options within its linebacking unit could indicate the former sixth-round pick gets a bigger role than expected.
The Washington Commanders initially listed Hampton as a safety, where he played in college with great success, before switching him to the second level. This brought some intrigue, but the rookie was an innocent bystander during his first campaign in the pros.
Hampton made the roster but was a healthy scratch more often than not. He'll have benefited greatly from being around the squad in Year 1. At the same time, there's a real urgency for the Washington Huskies graduate to make significant improvements to increase his influence.
It would be surprising if the Commanders didn't add to their linebacking corps during the draft. Hopes are high that Jordan Magee can become more impactful with a better run of luck health-wise, but both the Temple product and Hampton remain unknown quantities.
Their presence should not stop Adam Peters from finding another explosive presence, preferably with outstanding pass-rushing credentials.
Brian Robinson Jr. - Commanders RB
One of the biggest (and overlooked) areas of the need centers on the running back position. Adam Peters kept faith with last season's quartet, but that should not prevent the Washington Commanders from examining a deep group emerging from the college ranks this spring.
This draft class is loaded with valuable contributors. Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton are the two standouts. Several others come with Day 1 starting potential. Some further down the pecking order represent high-value choices with plenty of long-term upside attached.
Fans are clamoring for the Commanders to find another explosive backfield threat to put alongside quarterback Jayden Daniels. The ground game was too reliant on the signal-caller over the second half of 2024 and during Washington's incredible postseason run. That has to change as a matter of urgency.
If Peters recognizes this and uses one of his early selections on a running back prospect, that could mean reduced responsibilities for Brian Robinson Jr. The Alabama graduate is entering the final year of his deal with a big point to prove. He's a solid power presence, but more is needed.
The Commanders might be content with what they have in Robinson, Austin Ekeler, Jeremy McNichols, and Chris Rodriguez Jr. That would be a mistake.
Clelin Ferrell - Commanders DE
There were a few eyebrows raised among the fanbase when the Commanders gave Clelin Ferrell another deal this offseason. Most expected those in power to let the defensive end take his chances elsewhere. They believe some untapped potential remains despite going through issues in Year 1 with the squad.
Ferrell started the campaign and struggled. Generating pressure was difficult throughout. There were some flashes against the run, but nowhere near the level expected.
The Commanders reduced Ferrell's involvement considerably as the campaign wore on and during the playoffs. Adam Peters is giving him another shot, and there is a chance to start as things stand, considering Washington only signed Deatrich Wise Jr. to fortify their defensive end spot opposite Dorance Armstrong Jr.
Expect that to change early in the draft. This class of edge rushers and defensive ends has a plethora of potential starters. Peters must capitalize on this to give the trenches a significant boost. That's the only way Washington stands any chance of surpassing the Philadelphia Eagles.
Any new arrivals wouldn't bode well for Ferrell. Keeping him as the starter is organizational malpractice after how things unfolded for the lineman in 2024. The Commanders need more explosiveness and ruthlessness coming off the edge. That much is painfully obvious.
Zane Gonzalez - Commanders K
The Washington Commanders went through more kicking upheaval in 2024. Brandon McManus's time with the team was short-lived. Austin Seibert's exceptional start was abruptly ended by injury. Zane Gonzalez plugged the gap well enough to get another one-year deal from the organization.
That's a big vote of confidence in the former seventh-round pick. However, the Commanders are examining another possibility to provide Gonzalez with some genuine competition over the summer.
According to reports, the Commanders recently held a private workout with Andres Borregales. He's widely considered to be the best kicker in this year's class. Most analysts believe he'll get drafted at some stage on Day 3, so it'll be fascinating to see where the gifted Miami prospect ends up.
The Commanders don't have the luxury of drafting a kicker with just five selections currently. But if Peters can navigate a trade-down to acquire more draft wealth, the possibility becomes more likely.
Gonzalez will be watching developments closely. He did well enough last season but showed nervous tendencies and inaccuracy on occasion. The Commanders want to see if a full offseason can bring more from the player, but there's a growing belief that he won't get an unchallenged run to the starting gig in 2025.
Noah Brown - Commanders WR
The Commanders made one landmark splash at the wide receiver position this offseason. Adam Peters used his strong connections within the San Francisco 49ers to strike a trade deal for Deebo Samuel Sr., who brings All-Pro credentials to the table but is coming off a down year by his usually high standards.
Peters thinks Samuel has enough left in the tank to embrace this fresh challenge. They guaranteed his salary and added incentives rather than offering him an extension outright. That keeps urgency high with the promise of more to come if the performances warrant another financial commitment.
Washington also brought back Noah Brown on a one-year deal. His campaign ended cruelly after a serious internal issue required kidney surgery, but his new contract suggests a full recovery is imminent with organized team activities on the immediate horizon.
Brown has the size and downfield ability that became a useful asset for quarterback Jayden Daniels. His supreme positioning and body control saw plenty of defensive pass-interference penalties come his way. His wide wing span and strength to create separation quickly make him a viable red-zone weapon for good measure.
The Commanders could provide Daniels with another dynamic wide receiver from the college ranks. It's not the most pressing priority, but Peters will strike with conviction if someone high on his board falls further than expected.
Considering the presence of Samuel and Terry McLaurin, any high-profile college recruit could impact Brown more than most.
