Commanders land new offensive lineman in post-NFL Scouting Combine mock draft

As the 2025 NFL Draft draws nearer, teams are starting to finalize their strategies based on the valuable insights they’ve gained from the NFL Scouting Combine and pro days. For the Washington Commanders, the results of the combine have given them an even clearer picture of their needs and potential targets. After a disappointing 2024 season, the Commanders’ front office is looking to bolster their roster, particularly on the offensive line, to improve the protection of their quarterback and solidify their run game. With this in mind, let’s dive into a mock draft that addresses Washington’s most pressing needs, including the crucial addition of a new offensive lineman.

The Washington Commanders’ 2025 NFL Draft Overview

The Washington Commanders enter the 2025 NFL Draft with several positional needs that must be addressed if they want to compete at a higher level in the NFC East. As a team that finished with a record below .500 in 2024, there’s pressure to improve significantly across multiple areas. The offensive line, in particular, has been a weak point for Washington in recent years. Quarterback play has been inconsistent, and the run game has struggled without proper protection up front.

While Washington does have some young talent at key positions, including quarterback and wide receiver, the lack of stability on the offensive line has hindered the team’s ability to execute offensively. The Commanders also face challenges on the defensive line, where pass rushers and interior defenders need to be bolstered to create a more complete defense.

1. Round 1, Pick 8 – OT, Joe Wallis (University of Georgia)

In this mock draft, the Washington Commanders address their most pressing need by selecting Joe Wallis, an offensive tackle from the University of Georgia, with the eighth overall pick. Wallis is widely regarded as one of the best offensive linemen in this draft class, and his performance at the NFL Scouting Combine only solidified his status as a top-tier prospect.

Why Joe Wallis?

Joe Wallis is a true mauler in the trenches, standing at 6’6″ and weighing 325 pounds. He has excellent size and strength to handle the physical demands of the NFL. His combine performance further demonstrated his athleticism, as he posted an impressive 40-yard dash time and displayed excellent agility in the drills, which is critical for an offensive lineman tasked with blocking speed rushers and anchoring against powerful defenders.

Wallis excels in both pass protection and the run game. His quick feet allow him to mirror speed rushers off the edge, while his strength and punch make him a tough defender to get around. Wallis is also capable of clearing lanes in the run game, which will be critical for Washington’s offensive scheme under new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.

The Commanders’ offensive line has been a weak link for years, and while there are some solid players on the roster, Wallis would be an instant upgrade at the tackle position. Whether on the left or right side, Wallis will provide stability and a significant boost to Washington’s offensive line, offering protection for whichever quarterback takes the reins in 2025.

2. Round 2, Pick 39 – DL, Nolan Sapp (University of Alabama)

With the second-round pick, the Commanders look to improve their defensive line by adding Nolan Sapp, a defensive lineman from Alabama. After addressing the offensive line in Round 1, Washington pivots to adding depth and talent to their front seven, particularly in the defensive interior.

Why Nolan Sapp?

Nolan Sapp is a versatile defensive lineman who can play both defensive tackle and defensive end in a 4-3 system. His ability to line up inside or on the edge makes him a highly coveted prospect, especially for a team like Washington, which has lacked consistent pressure from their defensive front. Sapp was dominant in college, showcasing quickness off the ball, excellent hand usage, and the ability to disrupt both the passing and running game. His combine performance, especially his explosiveness in the vertical leap and his 40-yard dash time, reinforced his potential to be an impact player in the NFL.

In Washington’s defensive scheme, Sapp’s ability to pressure the quarterback will be key to improving the pass rush. The team has struggled to generate consistent pressure in recent years, and adding a player like Sapp gives them the versatility and depth they need to create more chaos in the backfield.

3. Round 3, Pick 71 – CB, Jordan Stokes (University of Florida)

With the third-round pick, the Commanders turn their attention to the secondary, selecting Jordan Stokes, a cornerback from the University of Florida. Washington has one of the better cornerback units in the NFL, but they need depth and potentially a future starter at the position to compete with high-powered NFC offenses.

Why Jordan Stokes?

Stokes is a physical corner who excels in man-to-man coverage. At 6’1″ and 200 pounds, Stokes has the size to match up with bigger wide receivers and the speed to stick with faster, shiftier ones. His performance at the combine helped raise his stock, showing off his fluid hips, quickness in the agility drills, and overall athleticism. His combine interviews also highlighted his high football IQ and his ability to read quarterbacks and recognize route combinations.

Washington’s secondary could be an even stronger unit with the addition of Stokes, who brings a combination of size, speed, and technique that would make him an asset both in the short and long term. Pairing him with Kendall Fuller and the rest of Washington’s cornerback group would create a deep, talented unit capable of covering some of the NFL’s most dangerous pass catchers.

4. Round 4, Pick 105 – RB, Jalen Carrington (University of Texas)

With the fourth-round pick, Washington looks to bolster their backfield by selecting Jalen Carrington, a running back from the University of Texas. Carrington is an explosive, versatile back who can contribute both as a runner and a receiver out of the backfield.

Why Jalen Carrington?

Carrington is a dynamic running back with great vision, balance, and the ability to break tackles in the open field. He is also a proficient pass-catcher out of the backfield, something that will complement Washington’s offensive scheme under Bieniemy. In a draft class that is loaded with talented running backs, Carrington stands out as a potential sleeper pick who could make an immediate impact. His combine numbers, including his quickness and vertical leap, demonstrated that he has the athleticism to thrive in the NFL.

Carrington’s selection would give Washington a dynamic playmaker who can take pressure off the quarterback and provide a strong ground game, which has been a major weakness in recent seasons.

5. Round 5, Pick 137 – LB, Eric Hayes (University of Miami)

In the fifth round, the Commanders add depth to their linebacker corps with the selection of Eric Hayes, a hard-hitting linebacker from the University of Miami. Hayes is known for his ability to diagnose plays quickly, tackle in space, and cover both running backs and tight ends in pass coverage.

Why Eric Hayes?

Hayes’ combine performance showcased his athleticism and ability to cover ground quickly, both in coverage and against the run. His instincts and leadership qualities make him a strong candidate to contribute right away, even if he starts off as a special teams player. Washington could use additional talent at linebacker, and Hayes could develop into a key rotational piece or potential starter in the future.