It'll be a long wait for the Washington Commanders on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft. General manager Adam Peters feels pretty good about himself after linebacker Sonny Styles dropped right into their laps at No. 7, but he does not have a second-round selection to build on this momentum after the trade for Laremy Tunsil.
Styles is going to help enormously. Now, it's about examining what's going on before going on the clock at No. 71 overall in the third round. Not exactly ideal, but with several prospects projected as first-rounders failing to hear their names called as yet, there could be some surprising opportunities available.
With this in mind, here are seven potential options who could find their way to Washington on Day 2.
NFL Draft prospects the Commanders could potentially take if available on Day 3
Chris Bell - WR
After going defense in the first round, the Commanders must turn their attention to another weapon for Jayden Daniels. Chris Bell might go in the second round, but if somehow falls into the third, this could be an intriguing addition to the receiver ranks alongside Terry McLaurin.
Malik Muhammad - CB
The Commanders could use another cornerback. Whether they were going to take Mansoor Delane before the Kansas City Chiefs jumped the queue is debatable. But if someone like Malik Muhammad makes it down to No. 71 overall, this might be a difficult proposition to turn down.
Sam Hecht - C
Washington's offensive line is relatively stable, with four of last season's starting five options all returning. There are concerns about the center position after releasing Tyler Biadasz, and Peters hasn't done much to fill the void as yet. Day 2 would be a good time to find one with Sam Hecht, who is arguably the best center in this class.
Skyler Bell - WR
If this is a theme, there's a reason. Peters has prioritized the defense this offseason, and rightfully so. Now, there is a chance to find a dynamic weapon for Daniels. Brandon Aiyuk won't solve every problem if he comes on board, and even though Skyler Bell is an older prospect, he's got the scope to make an immediate contribution.
Jalon Kilgore - S
The Commanders avoided the temptation to draft Caleb Downs, who unfortunately ended up with the Dallas Cowboys. Washington could still use a versatile safety to enhance Daronte Jones' chances of hitting the ground running, and Jalon Kilgore's experience across the secondary makes him an intriguing option if he drops into their lap.
Ted Hurst - WR
There is no denying Ted Hurst's promise. The production was exemplary at Georgia State, and he's reportedly been a fast riser throughout the pre-draft process. Most experts have him going in the second round, but with a number of projected first-rounders falling to Day 2, that is no longer clear-cut.
Lee Hunter - DL
If Peters continues with his defensive mindset, adding another young option to the trenches can't be ruled out entirely. That would be more contentious, but Lee Hunter has the size, mass, and power at the point of contact to become a disruptive force at the next level.
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