Adam Peters opted for quality over quantity during the 2025 NFL Draft. That was always a realistic scenario for the Washington Commanders, who only had five selections at their disposal heading into the process after some frantic trade activity this offseason.
Peters played his board masterfully, bringing in prospects high on their board rather than focusing too much on roster needs. This strategy proved highly effective during his first draft. The front-office leader is hoping for similar prosperity this time around.
Not every pick is going to work out. The Commanders got some outstanding returns from their first draft class, but it's a year-to-year league. And considering this once-demoralized franchise harbors lofty Super Bowl ambitions next season, the incoming rookies must hit the ground running.
Some will thrive under intense pressure. Others will take a little extra time. There's also the chance one of Washington's undrafted free agent group comes to the fore much quicker than expected. There's just no telling for sure at this early stage.
Before we look ahead, here are three draft picks the Commanders got right in 2025, and two they might regret when push comes to shove.
Draft picks the Commanders got right in 2025, and two they might regret
Got Right
Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Commanders RB
Adam Peters made the Washington Commanders' fan base wait for running back assistance. They were clamoring for more in the backfield after watching the ground game regress last season. After biding his time, the general manager secured Jacory Croskey-Merritt at No. 245 overall.
This brings more intrigue than most seventh-round picks. Croskey-Merritt went under the radar thanks in no small part to the NCAA revoking his eligibility just one game into his transfer to Arizona. Not even winning Offensive MVP at the East-West Shrine Bowl was enough to turn the tide.
That wasn't an opinion shared by the Commanders. They spent considerable time with Croskey-Merritt during their pre-draft assessments. Peters was suitably impressed, and he knew there was value to be had with his final selection.
Croskey-Merritt might be a seventh-round afterthought, but he's not acting like it. The player wants to carve out an instant role for himself. He wants to shake up the running back unit and make up for some lost time. Judging by the positive reports from Washington's rookie minicamp, things are looking up.
Expecting miracles right away where Croskey-Merritt is concerned would be foolish. But don't be surprised if he ends up being a surprise most teams don't see coming in the not-too-distant future.