Adam Peters only has two picks in the first four rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft. Spending them wisely is paramount to building on a successful offseason.
The Washington Commanders general manager used his second and fourth-round picks to acquire left tackle Laremy Tunsil, who became a franchise cornerstone. He'd do that again, but it reduces the margin for error when the all-important selection event commences.
Trading down from No. 7 will be considered if the right opportunity comes along. Standing pat to take a blue-chip prospect seems the likeliest outcome, especially with so much uncertainty surrounding the top 10 this year. That didn't stop one analyst from touting a more daring move that would instantly place Peters on the hot seat.
Commanders urged to make baffling draft-day trade that defies logic
Enzo Flojo of Clutch Points thought the Commanders should seriously consider making a bold trade up the order for Miami Hurricanes offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa, whom he believes could be a legitimate foundational piece for Washington to build around.
"They could trade up to draft Francis Mauigoa. The Miami standout is not just another highly rated tackle. He is a potentially foundational piece waiting to be unlocked.
"The temptation for Washington will be to stay put at No. 7, trust the board, and take whoever falls into their lap. That’s the conservative approach. It’s also the one that risks leaving them one step short of greatness. Trading up into the top three or five to secure Mauigoa flips that script entirely."
This is the sort of move that gets general managers fired. And from the Commanders' standpoint, it makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.
The Commanders have invested heavily in Tunsil and 2025 first-round pick Josh Conerly Jr. as their bookend tackle tandem. The guard positions look secure with Chris Paul and Sam Cosmi resuming their prolific partnership. There are some concerns at the center position after previous starter Tyler Biadasz was released, but trading for another player on one of the strongest units is a non-starter.
Mauigoa is a good player. He should be a solid professional. But the Commanders don't need another edge protector. Considering the compensation it would cost to move up, and the fact that Washington drafted an offensive tackle in the first round last year, it's an asinine notion at best.
Peters could go with one of the top defenders. He could take an offensive playmaker to bolster quarterback Jayden Daniels' firepower. But he should not, under any circumstances whatsoever, contemplate trading up for Mauigoa.
That much is painfully obvious.