The 2025 NFL draft is just around the corner, and some of the top players in the class are beginning to figure out what their futures might hold.
In the case of the Washington Commanders, who hold the No. 29 overall pick, the first round is about finding that one piece that can fill their biggest need, and putting their roster over the top.
With that in mind, let’s look at the top three best first-round fits for the Commanders in this year’s draft.
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Malaki Starks, SAF, Georgia
Safety is not the biggest need for the Commanders, but it is undoubtedly close to the top of the list. More importantly, the best one in the class might be available late in the first round.
Georgia’s Malaki Starks can do it all on the back end, and he is the ball hawk type that Dan Quinn’s defense needs in pass defense. And after losing Jeremy Chinn in free agency, they could certainly use that skill set.
An argument could be made that Washington needs an edge rusher more, but if Starks is on the board here, they very well could move in this direction.
James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
Edge rusher is objectively what the Commanders need to address more than any position in the draft.
Fortunately, at No. 29, one of the best in the business might be available.
At one point, James Pearce Jr. was considered the No. 1 overall selection, but his stock slid slightly due to Abdul Carter’s emergence.
That by no means indicates he won’t be an elite NFL player, and Dan Quinn could get the most out of him in Washington.
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
The Commanders also have a major need in the offensive playmaker department, and at this point in the draft, the top two receivers and top couple of running backs could be gone.
That said, one player who would likely still be available is Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka, who can do it all on the outside.
In 2024, Egbuka caught 81 passes for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns. The speedy receiver helped the Buckeyes win the national title and boast a top-15 scoring offense.
In Washington, Egbuka would join Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel, and give budding star quarterback Jayden Daniels something to work with offensively.