Commanders on the Hunt – After a chaotic 2024 season and a franchise reset at nearly every level, the Washington Commanders are heading into the 2025 NFL Draft with clarity on one thing—they need a dominant edge rusher. With a defense that ranked in the bottom five in sacks and pressure rate last season, the Commanders have to restock the trenches with a long-term game-wrecker.
Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report believes Washington should use their No. 29 overall pick to find that next defensive cornerstone. It makes sense. They already have promising pieces in the secondary and interior line, but their lack of consistent edge pressure was glaring after trading away both Chase Young and Montez Sweat midseason in 2023.
Let’s take a deep dive into four pass rushers who could be realistic, impactful first-round targets for Washington—and how each could fit into the new regime’s vision for a fast, physical, and disruptive defense.
1. Commanders on the Hunt – Chop Robinson – EDGE, Miami Dolphins
Height/Weight: 6’3″, 255 lbs
Projection: Mid to late Round 1
Strengths:
- Elite athleticism and first-step explosiveness
- Rare flexibility and bend around the edge
- Prototype for a speed rusher in today’s NFL
Concerns:
- Lacked elite production at Penn State
- Needs refinement in hand usage and block shedding
Commanders on the Hunt – Chop Robinson might be one of the most toolsy edge rushers in the entire draft. Despite only recording 4 sacks in 2024, the analytics love him—he consistently generated pressure and forced offensive tackles into uncomfortable positions. He’s the kind of player whose impact doesn’t always show up in the stat sheet…yet.
For Washington, he represents upside. With the 29th pick, getting a player with top-10 traits is rare. If new defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. is looking to inject raw speed and chaos off the edge, Robinson could be a cornerstone of the rebuild.
2. Commanders on the Hunt – Jonah Elliss – EDGE, Utah
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 247 lbs
Projection: Late Round 1 to early Round 2
Strengths:
- High football IQ and pass-rushing instincts
- Strong technique, polished hands, and excellent motor
- Productive: 12 sacks, 16 TFLs in 2024
Concerns:
- Slightly undersized for a full-time edge role
- May lack the elite burst of a top-tier edge
Jonah Elliss is the definition of a lunch-pail pass rusher. He doesn’t “wow” you with testing numbers, but he’s just consistently in the right place and disrupting plays. His hand fighting and leverage are veteran-level, and he plays with relentless effort from snap to whistle.
He’d be a tremendous cultural fit in Washington—disciplined, tough, and reliable. While he may not be a double-digit sack artist in Year 1, he’d bring a much-needed floor to a position room that desperately lacks experience.
3. Commanders on the Hunt – Dallas Turner – EDGE, Vikings
Height/Weight: 6’4″, 242 lbs
Projection: Top 15 (but potential slide)
Strengths:
- Explosive burst and closing speed
- Excellent flexibility and hand counters
- Proven SEC production with 10 sacks in 2024
Concerns:
- Needs to add functional strength against the run
- Inconsistent pad level and tackling at times
Dallas Turner is a long shot to fall to 29—but we’ve seen premier edge rushers drop before due to positional runs or unexpected team needs. If Turner slides, the Commanders should be prepared to jump.
He’s one of the cleanest pass-rush prospects in the class: elite bend, natural instincts, and the ability to change games with one play. Pairing Turner with a rising interior talent like John Ridgeway or Phidarian Mathis could bring back some of the 2020-2021 D-line dominance Washington fans remember fondly.
4. Commanders on the Hunt – Bralen Trice – EDGE, Falcons
Height/Weight: 6’4″, 270 lbs
Projection: Late Round 1
Strengths:
- Powerful edge setter with heavy hands
- Versatile: Can line up inside or outside
- High motor and a physical finisher
Concerns:
- Lacks top-tier twitch and bend
- May need to slim down to maximize burst
Bralen Trice is a name that keeps rising in draft circles. While he isn’t the flashy edge rusher some fans may crave, he’s a foundation piece. His power, leverage, and tenacity give him scheme versatility—he can play as a 4-3 defensive end or kick inside on passing downs.
Washington’s front office might value Trice’s ability to anchor the run and bring heat from multiple angles, especially in the tough NFC East where teams still want to run the football.
Bonus Sleeper: Chris Braswell – EDGE, Alabama
If the Commanders trade back or decide to double-dip at edge in Rounds 1 and 2, Chris Braswell could be an ideal value pick. He’s a former five-star recruit who flashed in his senior year with Alabama and is built to be a rotational speed rusher early with potential to grow into more.
Commanders on the Hunt – The Verdict: Who’s the Best Fit?
Each of these four prospects brings something unique to the table:
- Robinson offers freaky upside and could be the next star if properly developed.
- Elliss provides steadiness, leadership, and effort.
- Turner, if available, is a no-brainer BPA (Best Player Available) pick.
- Trice adds power and versatility to a unit lacking bite.
Given Washington’s new direction under GM Adam Peters and HC Dan Quinn, the pick could come down to scheme fit. Expect the Commanders to favor tough, coachable players with upside and a blue-collar mentality. Don’t be surprised if that leads them to Elliss or Trice—players who may not dominate the Combine, but will anchor your defense for years.
Commanders on the Hunt – Final Word:
With the 2025 NFL Draft looming, the Commanders have a real chance to reset their identity on defense. Whether they go with flash or foundation, addressing the pass rush early isn’t just a smart move—it’s a necessary one.
Because in today’s NFL, if you can’t get to the quarterback, you don’t stand a chance.
