ESPN's Schefter praises Commanders turnaround, breaks down 2025 Draft: 7News Sports

WASHINGTON (7News) — Another NFL season is right around the corner. But first, the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay.

After making it to the NFC Championship game before falling to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Washington Commanders received the 29th overall pick.

7News Sports Anchor Natalie Spala sat down with ESPN's Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter for his thoughts on the upcoming draft and the season ahead.

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"When you're picking where they are, first of all, it's a sign of a great season, which everyone in Washington is only too happy to have after decades of not having that type of season," Schefter said. "They can go so many different directions."

The Commanders were active participants in March's free agency period, bringing in players to strengthen the offensive and defensive lines. Washington also traded to acquire wide receiver Deebo Samuel and offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil.

"I think the Laremy Tunsil acquisition is so intriguing because you're talking about a potential future Hall of Fame left tackle," Schefter said. "If you're going to give a guy like that to Jayden Daniels, to give him more time to help lead that offensive line, that should make everyone that much better."

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"It's the kind of acquisition that helps you win more games. To me, that was a big one," Schefter added.

Improving the offensive line was one of Washington's top priorities in the offseason. A stronger line will better equip Daniels to continue developing as a young quarterback. According to Schefter, the Commanders' success this season will hinge on Daniels' performance as he enters his second year.

"If Jayden Daniels is a top-five quarterback, there's no reason that they can't have a top-five team," Schefter said. "When you get a quarterback who is that good and that young, you're looking at 12-plus years of prosperity ahead."

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"It's almost like the football Gods said 'this Washington franchise has been through the ringer the last few decades, we're going to reward it for all the heartache and suffering that it's been through,'" he added.

Last season, Commanders fans watched Daniels set numerous rookie records and pull off last-second wins. His impressive resume in his first season earned him the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

"I can't imagine that Jayden Daniels could play that much better, but that is the belief is that players just get better in their second year," Schefter said. "I don't know what it looks like, but it probably equates to more wins."

Night One of the 2025 NFL Draft is April 24. You can catch the action on 7News.