ASHBURN, Va. — The 5-12 finish is etched in stone, but the “what-ifs” are just getting started for the Washington Commanders. After a season defined by offensive stagnation and a revolving door in the backfield, a new retrospective from ESPN suggests Washington held the winning lottery ticket in the 2025 NFL Draft but refused to cash it.
The verdict? The Commanders should have drafted Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson at No. 29 overall.
The Pick That Could Have Saved the Offense
In ESPN’s fresh redraft of the 2025 class, Commanders reporter John Keim points to the explosive ball-carrier as the missing spark plug for Washington’s sputtered engine. Instead of donning the Burgundy and Gold, Henderson fell to the New England Patriots in the second round and immediately torched the league.
Henderson didn’t just play; he made history. As the offensive focal point in New England, he racked up 911 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns, earning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month honors in November. His explosiveness was undeniable—he joined Chris Johnson (2009) as only the second player in NFL history to record two games with multiple 50-plus-yard rushing touchdowns in a career. He did that as a rookie.
“Henderson would have provided Washington with juice on offense, something it lacked all season,” Keim noted in the analysis.
The Conerly Conundrum
The Commanders opted for Oregon offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. at No. 29. While Conerly struggled early—posting a rough 59.9 PFF grade amidst a steep learning curve—he stabilized down the stretch, allowing just two sacks in the final nine weeks.
Ironically, Conerly’s stock has actually risen in hindsight. In the same ESPN redraft, Conerly is projected to go No. 16 overall to the Arizona Cardinals. This suggests Washington made a “value” pick that the league respects long-term, but it came at the cost of the immediate, game-breaking playmaker the offense desperately needed in 2025.
The Late-Round Gem: Jacory Croskey-Merritt
Washington didn’t leave the draft empty-handed at running back. Seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt (Arizona) emerged as a legitimate silver lining. “JCM” outplayed his draft slot significantly, churning out 805 yards and 8 touchdowns while averaging 4.6 yards per carry.
However, the distinction is clear: Croskey-Merritt is a valuable piece of the puzzle; Henderson is a franchise engine. Had Washington pulled the trigger in the first round, Henderson would have been handed the keys to the backfield immediately, potentially altering the trajectory of a five-win season.
“The Commanders could target an offensive lineman or cornerback here, as they were reluctant to pick a running back in the first round last April. But Henderson would have provided Washington with juice on offense, something it lacked all season.” — John Keim, ESPN Commanders Reporter
What’s Next: The 2026 Offseason
With the 2025 season in the rearview, General Manager Adam Peters faces a clear directive: find the explosion. While Conerly anchors the line and Croskey-Merritt provides depth, the offense still lacks the home-run threat Henderson provides New England. Expect Washington to be aggressive in the free-agent market for a playmaker who can turn a 5-yard slant into a 50-yard score, trying to replicate the “juice” they watched slip through their fingers last April.
