Drafting near the bottom of the first round in the NFL Draft is unusual territory for the Washington Commanders, but after Jayden Daniels's sensational rookie season, they entered the 2025 NFL Draft with pick No. 29.
After giving up 55 points to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Conference Championship game, there was a sense that the Commanders may look to add to their defense with their first pick of the 2025 season. However, the most important player in the organization is Daniels. Protecting Daniels should be the priority for the Commanders, regardless of what other needs the Commanders may have.
Despite rumors that the Commanders may be considering a move up in the draft, Washington stood pat and made the selection at No. 29.
With the No. 29 pick, the Commanders took Oregon offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr.
Commanders already have an answer for the Giants selecting Abdul Carter
For as great as Daniels' rookie season was, there was no question that he got beat up during his rookie season. Daniel gutted his way through an injury to his ribs, and life wasn't going to get easier for him during the 2026 season. Life wasn't going to get easier for Daniels this season, given that Jalen Carter remains in the middle of the Philadelphia Eagles' defensive line. Oh, and Micah Parsons remains a force with the Dallas Cowboys
Looking beyond Carter and Parsons, the Commanders' selection is a direct response to what the New York Giants did at No. 3. With the third pick in the draft, the Giants added Abdul Carter. Carter, the best edge rusher in this year's draft, has drawn comparisons to Parsons. Conerly faces a tough task, but considering he was projected to go in the middle of the first round, it was a no-brainer for the Commanders.
