Commanders could draft Eli Stowers
Eli Stowers' college journey was an eventful one. He started as a tight end, then moved to quarterback, and then back to tight end. But switching to his original position after transferring to Vanderbilt proved to be the making of him.
Stowers boasts legitimate NFL-caliber credentials. He's a smooth route runner. His previous experience under center ensures that he's always out of his breaks on time. The ball skills are assured, and the prospect is also developing his ability to be impactful in the red zone.
The Washington Commanders should take a long look at Stowers when the time comes to begin assessing college prospects. He's ascending at the right time, and the fact that he has overcome so much adversity is only going to endear him more to general manager Adam Peters.
However, unless the Commanders can somehow accumulate more Day 2 selections, Stowers might be out of reach before the fourth round.
Commanders could sign Isaiah Likely
When the Baltimore Ravens gave veteran Mark Andrews a new long-term deal, it raised a few eyebrows around the league. Most thought the player and the AFC North club would part ways this offseason, but those in power are confident he can turn his career around after a lackluster campaign.
There was another reason why tight-end-needy teams across the NFL had their interest piqued by this development. Isaiah Likely is also a free agent this spring. Given the money invested in Andrews, it seems unlikely they'd be willing to meet the Coastal Carolina product's demands.
Likely's had some boneheaded moments this year, but his flashes are exceptional. He looks ready to assume a TE1 role somewhere, and unless Ben Sinnott demonstrates the desired growth, there will be an opening in Washington.
Linking someone with Likely's upside with Jayden Daniels is a mouthwatering proposition.
Commanders could draft Joe Royer
As previously mentioned, the Commanders don't have many selections in the 2026 NFL Draft. They only have six picks as things stand, and two of those are in the first four rounds. Adam Peters faces some complex challenges, but adding a tight end once other needs are filled looks like a legitimate possibility.
Finding the right piece is crucial. They need a prospect with room to grow, but can also play a role immediately. It's a shot in the dark, but Joe Royer's flashes over the last two seasons with the Cincinnati Bearcats since transferring from Ohio State warrant a closer examination at the very least.
Royer is developing his nuance to find soft zones and exploit them. He wouldn't be classed in the same category as Kenyon Sadiq from a physical traits standpoint. However, nobody would consider Zach Ertz a generational athlete either, and he became one of the most prolific pass-catching tight ends of the modern era.
Couple this with Royer's improved blocking, and he could end up being a rough diamond.