Speculation is flowing and rumors are rising as the 2025 NFL Draft rapidly approaches. The Washington Commanders aren't blessed with a rich bounty of picks following some frantic trade activity, but that doesn't detract from the need to get some nice returns with the resources available.
According to one highly respected analyst, there's a notable prospect surging into potential consideration with Washington's second-round selection.
This is smoke and mirrors season around the league. Teams are leaking information for one reason or another. Agents are doing whatever is necessary to put their prospects in a better position before the draft. For Adam Peters and his accomplished staff, it's about taking advantage of opportunities and trusting their assessments.
Having just five picks makes it more difficult. Peters could engineer a trade-down if the right offer comes along. That's to be determined, although the Commanders' hopes increase if quarterbacks like Jalen Milroe and Tyler Slough are still available at the end of Day 1.
Mel Kiper Jr. from ESPN provided an overlooked (but notable) tidbit regarding the Commanders in his latest two-round mock draft.
Commanders could spend their second-round pick on Oklahoma State LB Nick Martin
The man credited with spearheading the draft analysis phenomenon thought Oklahoma State linebacker Nick Martin was rising enough to enter the fray at No. 61 overall. He doesn't say things without substance, so it's something to monitor at the very least.
One other consideration: Oklahoma State's Nick Martin would be an interesting addition to the linebacker corps. He is a fast riser late in the process.Mel Kiper Jr.
Martin featured just five times for the Cowboys in 2024, which hurt his stock. That didn't prevent the second-level presence from getting an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine, where he tested extremely well despite the obvious size concerns.
His 80 athleticism score in Indianapolis ranked sixth among all participating linebackers. Everything reportedly checked out medically, which represented another important obstacle to overcome.
Martin's high character, leadership, and supreme work ethic are traits the Commanders looked for during last year's crop, regardless of their pre-draft projections. Looking at the early returns from Peters' first class, expect this trend to continue in 2025.
The Commanders have Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu cemented as their primary linebacking duo. Those in power have hope that Jordan Magee and Dominique Hampton can enhance their respective contributions with the correct development this summer. Options are non-existent after that, although free-agent signing Jacob Martin could spend time at the second level to fill the void left by pass-rush specialist Dante Fowler Jr.
Wagner isn't going to play forever. The Commanders could find a potential long-term replacement this year, giving him a season or two to learn behind the future Pro Football Hall of Famer. If Peters can get some extra capital, that increases flexibility to plan for the future as well as the present.
Kiper is more connected than most. If he believes Martin has a shot at being a late second-round pick, potentially even entering the Commanders' consideration, that carries a ton of weight.
There are some potential issues to iron out. But his phenomenal 2023 campaign that came with 140 tackles, six sacks, 16 tackles for loss, and two interceptions makes Martin a risk worth taking.
Whether it's a gamble the Commanders take remains to be seen.
