The Washington Commanders went from the second pick of the 2024 NFL Draft to the NFC Championship. And now they enter the offseason wanting to capitalize on their momentum.
They’ve already been active by acquiring star wide receiver Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers and are expected to pursue multiple high-profile free agents when the league’s legal tampering period opens on Monday. A new A to Z Sports mock draft has the Commanders completing another trade, though some may not think it aligns with their aggressive mindset, as it was a trade back in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Commanders trade out of round 1 In a new mock draft
“TRADE: Commanders send pick 29 to the Saints for picks 40 (second), 93 (third) and a 2026 fourth-round pick
I think a lot of teams in the latter half of the first round will entertain the idea of trading out of the first round altogether and land more chances on day two to attack the strength of this class. So the Commanders do just that by finding the Saints, who are looking to find their QB of the future and pull off a trade to get it done.”
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Related Posts– New A to Z Sports mock draft
Commanders land two potential day-one starters after the trade back
Clare Grant/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK
Pick 40: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
Pick 61: Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville
“Quincy Riley was incredible at the Senior Bowl and showed off his coverage skills in one-on-ones. Some wonder if he has to play in the slot at the next level, but I think he has the ability to play on the outside if needed. The Commanders would allow him to compete at both spots and see where his best position is during training camp.”
– New A to Z Sports Mock Draft
With the pick the Commanders gained by trading back, they selected Minnesota offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery. Ersery has solid size for the position at 6’6″ and 331 lbs, which helps him overpower his assignments on film. But he was also able to put up elite testing numbers at the combine by recording a 5.01 40-yard dash and a 9’3″ broad jump.
With their original second-round pick, the Commanders landed Louisville corner Quincy Riley. Riley was great at the Senior Bowl and would give the team another player who can be both a slot and outside corner. This sounds a lot like their rookie standout from this past year, Mike Sainristil, which some may think makes him a bad fit. But to me, that gives the Commanders two players who can switch in and out with ease and can be used in creative ways to cause confusion to opposing offenses.
