The Washington Commanders were dealt an absolute punch in the gut during their Monday Night Football loss to the San Francisco 49ers, as wide receiver Terry McLaurin suffered a serious knee injury that has already brought an end to his 2026 season.
For the rest of the way, it's Stefon Diggs and a ragtag bunch of players without much pedigree.
McLaurin will turn 32 years old at the start of next season, which has led to many starting to wonder if his time as the unquestioned top dog in Washington is coming to an end. Armed with what is assuredly going to be a very enticing first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, the Commanders can immediately land someone who can come right in and change the temperature of the room.
Any one of these five players coming to town with Washington's first pick could be the X-factor they need to plan for life without McLaurin while also helping them remain competitive in an incredibly weak NFC East.
5 Terry McLaurin replacements Commanders could add in 2027 NFL Draft
5. Ryan Coleman-Williams, Alabama
Once upon a time, Coleman-Williams was setting college football on fire during his true freshman season alongside Jeremiah Smith in Columbus. He has since fallen off a bit due to some drop issues and an injury, but he still has game-breaking speed, and his bounce-back season in Tuscaloosa is going well enough to establish him as a high-end prospect.
4. KJ Duff, Rutgers
At 6-6 and 225 pounds, those who are not sold on Duff as a prospect will compare him more to a tight end than a true wide receiver at the NFL level. However, he remains elite at winning contested opportunities due to his endless catch radius, and Daniels would love to have a weapon like him in the red zone.
3. Cam Coleman, Texas
Coleman hasn't been the dominant force many expected after his transfer away from Auburn (just one 100-yard game out of six), but he still looks like a Top 10 pick based on raw verticality and game-breaking separation. Coleman is one of just a few receivers in this class who can instantly compete for a No. 1 role in the pros.
2. Charlie Becker, Indiana
After both Omar Cooper Jr. and Elijah Sarratt were drafted last year, Indiana may have upgraded with Becker and Nick Marsh in 2026. Don't let Becker's lanky 6-4 frame fool you. His long speed is up there with many of the best in this class, and his penchant for making big plays down the field may be the best way to replicate the skills McLaurin brings to the table.
1. Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
Smith is the dream, and it seems unlikely that Washington will be bad enough to end up in his range. However, if they are able to end up anywhere close to Smith, look for Adam Peters to make a move to acquire him, giving the Commanders a new No. 1 wide receiver for the next decade.
Add us as a preferred source on Google