The opinions expressed in this article do not reflect those of the team.
The Washington Commanders can take one of the top playmakers in the draft this year with the No. 7 overall pick, and while there are multiple positions they could address, it appears that most analysts' initial impression is that they will bolster their defense with an impact player.
The Commanders have several issues that led to them finishing with a 5-12 record, and many of them came from the defensive side of the ball. They finished near the bottom of the league in almost every major category through a mixture of injuries and overall performance. So, just about every position on the unit could use an upgrade, whether it's a top-tier pass-rusher, a linebacker who can hold their own in coverage or a cornerback who has the size and quickness to match up with the league's top receivers.
Commanders analyst Logan Paulsen has been taking a deep look at dozens of prospects to form his opinion on which player makes the most sense for the team to take with one of their six draft picks, and three names have stood out to him so far. Here's the list he gave in this week's episode of the "Command Center" podcast with some brief analysis.
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Paulsen's projection: First round
Height: 6-3
Weight: 250
2025 stats: 52 tackles, 14.5 sacks, 3 FFs, 1 FR, 3 PDs
- Why: My dude wants to rush the passer. [Miami pass-rusher Reuben] Bain is a good first- and second-down player. He's stout against the run. This dude [Bailey] says, "Run, schmun. I am rushing the passer, and I got a bunch of moves. I got a long-arm; I got a spin move; I got a cross chop. I got speed around the corner; I got bend; and I can close to the quarterback." He led the FBS in sacks. He led the FBS in pressures. So, the dude rushes the passer.
Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
Paulsen's projection: Third round
Height: 6-5
Weight: 265
2025 stats: 42 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 3 FFs, 3 PDs
- Why: He's a big ole' hoss. He's kind of in this long lineage of Penn State edge rushers with Chop Robinson, Abdul Carter, all these guys that have come through. He's a tier down [from Bailey]. I think you could take him with that third-round pick at 71. He's bigger; he's got a complement of moves. He's more of a power rusher...but I think there's more athletic juice. There's more "pass-rusher" there. He's got long arms. He's got everything you want. He's big; he's heavy-handed. So, if you want just a solid rotational piece, he kind of falls into that mold.
Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF
Paulsen's projection: Day 3
Height: 6-4
Weight: 250
2025 stats: 28 tackles, 7 sacks, 2 FFs, 2 PDs
- Why: He's this long-armed, totally upside guy. He's bendy, long and incredibly raw. If you get him with a good coach, and you get him in the right scheme, he could be something. They're not the same prospect [as Bailey or Dennis-Sutton]. David Bailey is a beast. Dennis-Sutton is a little bit off of that and not quite the same player. Malachi Lawrence has very high upside, but is very raw. So, that's why he's moved down the board.
