As things stand, the Washington Commanders only have five selections during the 2025 NFL Draft. Adam Peters would probably like to increase that number by moving back at some point, although this is dependent on the prospects available at the time and whether there's a decent enough offer on the table.
One NFL insider believes some significant quarterback buzz could give the Commanders a golden opportunity to extract maximum value from the No. 29 overall selection.
Peters opted to allocate substantial capital to the trade market this offseason. The Commanders secured wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. from the San Francisco 49ers for a fifth-round pick. Stud left tackle Laremy Tunsil was more expensive, but his potential impact on the offense and, in particular, quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels will be priceless.
This was the correct approach. The Commanders must maximize Daniels' rookie contract before things get more expensive to retain their franchise player. Peters came into the organization with the intent to build through the draft. But with the project ahead of schedule, the front-office leader pivoted accordingly.
Commanders could engineer NFL Draft trade-down if Jaxson Dart is available
The more draft picks Peters has, the better his chances will be. The general manager got tremendous returns from his first crop of college players, so any further success in this area is only going to help Washington go on a deep postseason run once again.
Jaxson Dart's soaring draft stock might be the window Peters needs to get more picks. The Ole Miss prospect is gaining significant buzz throughout the assessment process. There's a growing sense he won't make it out of the first round, which JP Finlay from NBC Sports thought could work in Washington's favor if he's still on the board.
If Dart is available at No. 29, another team might look to get back into the first round to secure his services. The Commanders have their quarterback locked up, so being open to offers in this scenario is almost guaranteed.
This is a waiting game for the Commanders. There's a good chance Dart could be long gone by that point, although this is dependent on where Shedeur Sanders ends up being taken. Peters will have plans for every eventuality and should be working the phones long before Washington's turn to pick arrives. If he believes an offer to shift back can benefit the team's long-term plans, he won't hesitate to pull the trigger.
It's not perceived as the strongest quarterback class. Miami prospect Cam Ward will likely go No. 1 overall to the Tennessee Titans, but everything is up in the air aside from that. Sanders and Dart's respective projections are sketchy, so anything can happen.
Peters knows what he's doing. Fans have complete confidence in his ability to do what's necessary to keep the franchise trending in a positive direction. He'll also know how to get the most out of his current draft assets as an experienced negotiator and shrewd talent evaluator.
Whether that comes via moving back or standing pat remains to be seen.
