Commanders' Draft Philosophy: Building Through the Draft While Seizing Premium Opportunities

Commanders' Draft Philosophy: Building Through the Draft While Seizing Premium Opportunities

At the 2025 NFL Owners Meeting on 31 March, Washington Commanders General Manager Adam Peters shared insights into the team's roster building approach and draft strategy as they prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft.

Building Through the Draft Remains a Priority

Peters acknowledged that the team has recently traded away significant draft capital, but emphasised that the draft remains fundamental to the organisation's team-building philosophy. He highlighted last year's success in this area, noting that all nine of their draft selections made the final roster, alongside two undrafted rookie free agents.

"We still believe in building through the draft but won't pass on opportunities for premier players," Peters explained, defending the team's selective approach to trading picks. The GM specifically mentioned how the organisation had "pounced on rare opportunities to acquire a premier corner, a premier receiver, a premier left tackle" - moves that have significantly bolstered key positions with established talent.

Thorough Draft Preparation Process

The Commanders' front office conducts extensive preparation ahead of the draft, Peters revealed. Their process includes internal team needs analysis and consulting multiple mock drafts, while their scouting department assesses all 31 other teams' needs, considering free agency moves and future contract situations.

Peters acknowledged the challenges presented by the unpredictability of draft day trades. While the team reviews "reputable" mock drafts as part of their preparation, he noted a significant information gap: "The media hasn't caught up with the league in terms of how they feel about a player."

This insight suggests the Commanders' internal player evaluations may differ considerably from public consensus - something worth remembering as draft speculation intensifies in the coming weeks.

Flexibility with the 29th Pick

With Washington holding the 29th overall selection in the first round, Peters maintained that all options remain on the table - including trading up, staying put, or trading down.

On the possibility of trading down to accumulate additional picks, Peters was candid: "I'd love to trade down all the time but it has to be somebody else that wants to trade up and it has to be the right deal."

The decision to move or stay put will largely depend on how many of their targeted players remain on their draft board when their selection approaches. This balanced approach demonstrates a willingness to be opportunistic rather than committed to a rigid strategy.

Strong Position Heading into the Draft

Perhaps most encouragingly for Commanders supporters, Peters expressed confidence in the team's current roster following their free agency moves. These signings have provided what he termed "optionality" with their draft selections, allowing them to prioritise talent over immediate positional needs.

"We can go play today if we want to and I think we'd be pretty good today honestly," Peters remarked, suggesting the team isn't desperate to fill specific holes - a position of strength that should allow them to select the best players available rather than reaching for positions of need.

Looking Ahead

With five picks in this year's draft, the Commanders appear well-positioned to continue building their roster while maintaining flexibility. Peters' comments indicate a thoughtful approach to roster construction that balances long-term building through the draft with calculated moves for established talent when opportunities arise.

For Commanders fans, this balanced philosophy offers reason for optimism as the team continues its rebuild under new leadership. The upcoming draft will provide another important opportunity to see this approach in action, with Washington's selections potentially offering further insight into the front office's vision for the future.