Dwelling on the past provides only short-term gratification – preparing for the future is what leads teams like the Washington Commanders to long-term success, and in a perfect world, Super Bowl championships.
As greatly as the Commanders exceeded expectations in 2024, they were still 33 points away from reaching the NFL’s biggest stage. They aren’t favored to win their division, their star wide receiver has refused to show up to team activities, and quarterback Jayden Daniels faces the possibility of a “sophomore slump.”
Success isn’t guaranteed in the NFL. A strong campaign that nobody saw coming is nothing if the team can’t withstand the pressure of expectations.
With all eyes set on a potentially fruitful future in D.C., the Commanders’ front office needs to hit on draft picks to fill out their roster.
Here’s a glimpse at which prospects could put the Commanders in a position to become perennial Super Bowl contenders.
Note: draft positions are according to Pro Football Focus’ (PFF) projections.
Round 1, pick 24: Tim Keenan III (Alabama DT)
Keenan would be an anchor to a Commanders team that prioritized size on its defensive front during free agency. At 6-foot-2, 326 pounds, Keenan had 7.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks for Alabama in 2024. He’s outstanding against the run and offers upside as an on-field leader.
Jer’Zhan Newton has the potential to develop into the “disruptor” on the defensive line, while Keenan would be the brick wall that stops the opposing offensive line’s progress. This selection would also allow the Commanders to move on from Da’Ron Payne, the team’s highest earner on a per-year basis, potentially in a trade package to return valuable assets.
Round 3, pick 88: Jontez Williams (Iowa State CB)
Williams is trying to follow another Iowa State corner, Darien Porter, who was drafted in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He could follow in his ex-teammate’s footsteps if he’s as impressive as he was last year when he recorded four interceptions and five pass break-ups.
Williams’ excellence, particularly in zone coverage, was a major reason why Porter was only a rotational defensive piece. He’s only 5-foot-11, but he has the speed and instincts to play outside corner. He would also allow the Commanders to trade or release Marshon Lattimore, who did not impress in his first season in D.C. and could be cut for no cap penalty in 2026.
Round 5, pick 163: Gabe Jacas (Illinois EDGE)
Jacas is an exceptional athlete who also produced on the field. The 6-foot-3, 275-pound senior had eight sacks and three forced fumbles in his third year at Illinois and played significant snaps all three years of college, never recording fewer than four sacks.
What Jacas lacks in speed he more than makes up for in strength and tenacity. His wrestling background makes him capable of defeating blocks to set the edge against the run, and further development could help him become a standout pass-rusher the Commanders desperately need.
Round 6, pick 202: Hykeem Williams (Colorado WR)
A 6-foot-2, 215-pound X receiver with great straight-line speed, Williams has the physical appearance of a Day 1 or Day 2 pick. He has only caught 267 yards worth of passes in his college career, but he has the chance to get more work in the pass-happy offense at Colorado as a backup to Omarion Miller.
Williams’ draft stock is extremely volatile due to a lack of production and playing time this far into his career. However, size and speed can’t be taught, and he’s shown an ability to get chunk yardage after the catch. If this pick is anything like Jacory Croskey-Merritt, the Commanders could reap massive rewards for a low-cost draft pick.
Round 7, pick 237: Robert Spears-Jennings (Oklahoma S)
Spears-Jennings is a downhill thumper who wants to involve himself with the football. He only gave up 18.1 receiving yards per game in 2024, according to PFF, and had 66 tackles, 2.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, an interception, and a pass deflection. His two best games of the season were against No. 6 Tennessee and No. 1 Texas, during which he produced 18 tackles, a sack, two forced fumbles, and gave up 56 total receiving yards.
The Commanders were only 27th in EPA allowed per rush play and don’t have an enforcer in their secondary. Spears-Jennings is a homing missile against the run and is solid in zone coverage, and he’d compete at a spot that does not have an obvious long-term solution.
