We know the Washington Commanders must get Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin more help in 2025. We know Tee Higgins isn’t coming to Washington. Veterans such as Cooper Kupp, Christian Kirk, and Deebo Samuel have been mentioned as possibilities for the Commanders if their current teams move on from them.
But what if Washington’s new offensive weapon isn’t a wide receiver?
Picking 29th in the 2025 NFL draft, the Commanders will likely miss out on the top wide receiver prospects, although there will be several potential options in the second round. But what if Washington picks a tight end with the 29th overall pick?
Penn State’s Tyler Warren will be gone, but the Commanders selected Michigan tight end Colston Loveland in a new mock draft from Curt Popejoy of Draft Wire.
The Commanders top two tight ends are free agents and Colston Loveland is a playmaker as a receiver at the position and has a huge upside.
First, let’s address Washington’s top two tight ends from 2024. Zach Ertz and John Bates are free agents, but fill very different roles. Ertz was the No. 1 tight end and was an integral part of the offense. He’ll be 35 in 2025 but wants to return. The Commanders want him back, too. Bates is primarily a blocking tight end, but a very good one. There’s an excellent chance both return.
There is also 2024 second-round pick Ben Sinnott.
What would that mean for Loveland? Nothing.
If the Commanders picked Loveland, it doesn’t mean they’re down on Sinnott. When general manager Adam Peters selected Sinnott, he compared him to two Pro Bowlers he had in San Francisco: tight end Goerge Kittle and fullback Kyle Juszczyk. Washington offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury could have a more versatile role in mind for Sinnott in 2025.
As for Loveland, the potential is through the roof. Loveland is 6-foot-5, 245 pounds, with speed, athleticism, hands and excellent route running. He could line up in the slot for Washington, while Ertz lines up in the more traditional tight end role next season. The Commanders could move Loveland across the entire formation. He’s that type of offseason weapon.
Loveland is only 20 years old and would be an exciting pickup for the Commanders. Much like Warren, though, he likely doesn’t make it to No. 29.