Dream Mock Draft: Washington Commanders Edition

A full seven round mock for one of the most exciting teams in the NFL

The Washington Commanders went from the No. 2 overall pick to the NFC championship game in just one season thanks to making the right hires, the right moves in free agency, and the right picks in the 2024 NFL draft.

With the second overall pick in the draft, Washington chose quarterback Jayden Daniels and damn-near instantly flipped the script on a franchise that had been run into the ground by former owner Daniel Snyder. New ownership, led by Josh Harris, aligned itself with a youth movement by hiring head coach Dan Quinn—who in turn hired offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury—which led to the selection of the franchise quarterback.

But it wasn’t just Daniels, even if he’s the face of the team now. The Commanders drafted well in every round while setting the table for the 2024 season and the future. That was bolstered by smart signings of linebackers Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu, as well as center Tyler Biadasz from the rival Dallas Cowboys.

Rebuilds are rarely done in one offseason, and while the Commanders were red hot last season, the work to remain on top will be a chore; especially with the team now selecting at No. 29 overall in Round 1 instead of No. 2.

Washington enters the offseason with needs at wide receiver opposite Terry McLaurin, cornerback, defensive end—notably more speed rushers—linebacker and offensive tackle. Depth pieces could be added at tight end, running back and safety. And there’s always room for “best player available” drafting when you’re a playoff team at the end of the round.

So where do the Commanders go? With seven selections in the upcoming draft, we attempt to plug the most holes while building for the bright future of the team.

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Round 1, Pick 29

James Pearce Jr., DE, Tennessee

Edge-defenders Clelin Ferrell and Dante Fowler Jr. are both set to hit free agency this offseason. The Commanders are sitting with $75 million in available cap space, per Over the Cap, so they can make moves to re-sign them if wanted, but this is an opportunity to get younger while investing in the type of speed at edge that Quinn likes.

Pearce has some questions off the field that must be cleared up between now and the draft, but his on field play is stellar. He has legit 4.4 speed at 250 pounds and had 7.5 sacks in 2024. He’s similar to Alex Highsmith and would be ideal rushing off the edge of a very good defensive line in Washington.