The Washington Commanders are still catching their breath after a whirlwind 2024 season that saw them emerge overnight as NFC contenders. The Hail Mary to beat the Chicago Bears, the playoff win over the No. 1 seed Detroit Lions – things couldn’t be more different for Washington than they were a year ago.
With eyes now firmly fixed on the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, the team has several options available as it looks to cement its position among the conference’s top tier. In the latest seven-round Mock Draft from PFSN’s Jacob Infante, the Commanders reward Jayden Daniels with a shiny new receiver in Round 1.
Washington Commanders Draft Top Receiver Prospect in Round 1 of Latest PFSN Mock Draft
After appearing to create magic from a very modest receiving corps in 2024, Daniels was gifted veteran playmaker Deebo Samuel Sr. in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers. Samuel’s addition gives Daniels two top receiving options, with Terry McLaurin coming off his best season to date.
The team also re-signed tight end Zach Ertz, whose seven receiving touchdowns in 2024 were the second-most of his 12-year career. Though the team did lean heavily on Olamide Zaccheaus and Dyami Brown at times last season, both of whom are now on new teams.
Therefore, Infante has the team drafting Ohio State prospect Emeka Egbuka at the back end of Round 1.
“Jayden Daniels, Dan Quinn, and the Washington Commanders exceeded expectations in 2024. While they fell just short of the Super Bowl, a few more smart moves could push them over the top.
“Emeka Egbuka is a sturdy, reliable receiver with good hands and quick lateral movements as both a route runner and a ball carrier. Don’t let the hype around his past and current Buckeyes teammates fool you; Egbuka’s tape looks the part of a future NFL starting wide receiver.”
What Would Emeka Egbuka Bring to Washington?
Egbuka’s ability to carve out a first-round-worthy portfolio is even more impressive when you consider the teammates he had to contend with. Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Jeremiah Smith all, at one point or another, stood between Egbuka and the limelight.
Nevertheless, the gifted receiver managed to stand out thanks to his exceptional route-running and sure hands. Another facet of Egbuka’s game that will put him in his coaches’ good books is his willingness to block for his teammates. That would be a huge bonus for Washington, who now have Samuel to add yet more versatility to its already-defense-splitting run game.
Egbuka’s PFSN Draft Profile further highlights the player’s immense NFL potential.
“Perhaps no receiver in this class has the hands and consistency of Egbuka. He is a third-down machine who consistently gets open and moves the chains. He has extremely strong hands and outstanding body control, ball skills, and strength to make catches in contested situations and over the middle of the field.”
While the Commanders could choose to address several different areas in the upcoming draft, missing on your first-round selections can be damaging in the long run. Egbuka’s floor is as high as any in his range, while his ceiling is a regular Pro Bowl receiver.