The Washington Commanders' offseason plans so far have revolved around getting Jayden Daniels help, with general manager GM Adam Peters trading for Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil.
But the Commanders need help defensively, particularly at edge, after Dante Fowler Jr., who led the team in sacks last season (10.5), is now with the Dallas Cowboys.
Unlikely to fill that need via free agency after already splurging on two offensive pieces, in the draft, the Commanders could find a host of starters who could instantly impact coach Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s defense.
As such, in USA Today's latest mock draft, the Commanders take Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr.
"The Commanders have been using the trade market to add to their offense, so they look to the draft to help bolster their defense," USA Today writes. "Pearce is all about speed and joins a team, defense and head coach that loves to emphasize it."
A speed rusher, Pearce is coming off a 2024 season that saw him total 7.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss.
Armed with explosive speed, Pearce can get to the quarterback in the blink of an eye, and while he might have to refine his technique per NFL.com's Lance Zierlein, Pearce could become a damaging defender for years to come.
There is another wild card here. If DC is really in go-for-it mode, the idea of "winning a trade'' with the Cincinnati Bengals for star pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson can be in play.
He's a 17.5 sacks guy wanting to happen (again) ... and he wants $30 million per year to do it. Rumor has it Cincy might take a second-round pick in trade.
Is that a shortcut to the Super Bowl?
Washington has made it clear that it will be going all out for the Super Bowl in 2025, but you need a solid pass rush, and adding Pearce would give the unit a big boost as Whitt Jr. looks to get more production out of his defensive line.
