Commanders draft freak athlete out of Tennessee in recent 2025 CBS Sports mock draft

In a draft that has kept NFL fans, analysts, and general managers on their toes, the Washington Commanders have made a bold move according to the latest 2025 CBS Sports mock draft. In a surprising yet exciting development, the Commanders selected a “freak athlete” out of the University of Tennessee, marking what could be one of the most talked-about picks of the 2025 draft class.

With their first-round pick, Washington addressed a critical need for explosive playmakers on both sides of the ball, selecting a prospect known not just for his physical attributes but for his unique combination of skills, agility, and raw athleticism. This move is a calculated risk, and one that could very well pay off, offering the Commanders a versatile weapon who fits the modern mold of an NFL star.

This article dives into why this player, his skill set, and his potential impact on the Washington Commanders could make him one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Commanders’ Need for a Dynamic Athlete

The Washington Commanders are entering a new phase of their franchise, one marked by the desire to finally take the next step after years of mediocrity. With a promising but inconsistent offense, Washington has identified multiple areas where they need to improve. Key areas such as the quarterback position, offensive line depth, and a defense that occasionally lacks depth and consistency were expected to be major focal points in this draft.

However, the latest mock draft showed the Commanders going in an unexpected direction, prioritizing the selection of a freak athlete from Tennessee. This player could very well be the answer to the team’s inability to generate explosive plays and become a true contender in the NFC East.

Washington has been looking for a game-changer, someone who can contribute immediately and provide a significant impact. With the 2025 draft class being filled with top-tier talent across several positions, the Commanders’ front office, led by GM Martin Mayhew, has made the strategic decision to invest in someone who embodies physical potential and versatility.

The Athlete: The Tennessee Phenomenon

The player the Commanders selected in this 2025 CBS Sports mock draft is none other than Tennessee’s standout prospect. This individual, regarded as one of the most explosive athletes in college football, has been turning heads since his time at Knoxville. Although his exact position and role may be in flux, his raw physical gifts make him one of the most intriguing prospects in this draft cycle.

Known for his incredible speed, agility, and strength, the Tennessee product has quickly developed a reputation as a “freak athlete” due to his ability to dominate on both sides of the ball. Though many prospects entering the NFL combine can boast impressive measurables, this player’s combination of size, speed, and athleticism puts him in a unique class of athletes that the NFL rarely sees come through the draft.

Standing at an impressive 6’5″ and weighing 225 pounds, this prospect possesses an unusual blend of size and speed that few can match. His 40-yard dash times, which have been clocked at sub-4.4 seconds, have sent scouts into a frenzy. This burst and acceleration, paired with his agility and ability to change direction, make him an intriguing weapon on offense or defense. Whether he ends up as a wide receiver, a pass rusher, or even as a hybrid player capable of contributing in various roles, his adaptability makes him a fantastic fit for a team in need of a dynamic and unpredictable playmaker.

Why the Commanders’ Selection Makes Sense

For Washington, this selection is a clear attempt to infuse the team with explosiveness. The Commanders have struggled to make big plays in recent seasons, often stymied by injuries or inconsistent performances from their key playmakers. Selecting an athlete with the potential to change the game with one move, whether it’s a stunning catch, a game-altering sack, or an exciting return, fits the mold of what Washington needs.

By selecting a versatile prospect like this one, the Commanders are acquiring a player who can contribute in numerous facets of the game. This selection is particularly intriguing for several reasons:

A Versatile Weapon for Offensive Creativity

If this athlete is drafted as a wide receiver, his immediate value to the Commanders’ offense is obvious. The team has struggled to find a consistent playmaking threat on the outside, despite having talented quarterbacks and running backs. Adding a wide receiver with this combination of size, speed, and ability to separate from defenders could give Washington the explosive element they’ve been lacking for years.

However, the prospect’s versatility could also allow him to contribute as a hybrid player, perhaps lining up in the backfield or even in the slot. Given his agility and playmaking skills, he could serve as an all-purpose offensive weapon, similar to a player like Deebo Samuel, who is known for his ability to make plays in a variety of positions on the field. This would give offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy a new weapon to deploy and could further diversify the offense, making it more difficult for opposing defenses to predict.

Explosive Potential as a Return Specialist

In addition to his abilities as an offensive weapon, this Tennessee product could also make an immediate impact as a return specialist. With his speed and elusiveness, he has the potential to become a dangerous kick and punt returner, turning ordinary plays into extraordinary highlights.

In the NFL, special teams can be a game-changer, and this athlete’s ability to change the course of a game with one explosive return could have a profound effect on field position and momentum. The Washington Commanders have seen the impact a great returner can have on a team’s fortunes in the past, and drafting a player with this kind of special teams potential could help Washington in multiple ways.

Immediate Impact on the Commanders’ Defense

Given this athlete’s background, there’s also the possibility he could be utilized on the defensive side of the ball. With his speed, power, and agility, he could be an elite pass rusher or an edge player who can get after the quarterback in the NFL. This versatility would allow defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio to use him in various schemes, allowing him to be a constant threat to opposing quarterbacks, whether he’s rushing from the edge or dropping into coverage.

Even if the athlete is primarily seen as an offensive weapon, his defensive background could help him contribute immediately in Washington’s linebacker corps or as a situational rusher. NFL teams are always in need of players who can contribute in multiple areas, and this player’s ability to line up in various positions and impact the game both offensively and defensively makes him an enticing prospect for Washington.

The Commanders’ Future Outlook with This Draft Selection

By selecting this “freak athlete” from Tennessee, Washington is embracing a future where versatility and athleticism are at the core of their identity. Given the current trajectory of the team, this move could serve as the catalyst for building a more dynamic roster capable of competing with the top teams in the NFC.

One of the biggest challenges for the Commanders has been establishing consistent playmakers. While quarterback development remains a priority, surrounding the franchise quarterback with weapons that can produce explosive plays is just as critical. This athlete provides Washington with someone who can stretch the field, turn short passes into big gains, and disrupt opposing defenses in a multitude of ways.

This selection also gives the Commanders the opportunity to build a more flexible and unpredictable roster. With his athleticism, the player has the potential to create mismatches for opposing teams, making it harder for defenses to prepare for Washington’s offensive game plan. Washington has often been criticized for their lack of creativity and inability to execute in key moments, but drafting a player like this could help transform the offense into one that can surprise and overpower opponents.

Moreover, with the NFL’s increasing emphasis on versatile, positionless football, the ability to draft a player who can impact multiple facets of the game — offense, defense, and special teams — gives Washington a player who could be a long-term cornerstone for the team’s future. As the NFL evolves, players with this type of skill set will continue to rise in value, and Washington has placed itself in a favorable position by investing in one such prospect.