The Washington Commanders have relied heavily on veterans to steer them through the early stages of their exciting rebuild. However, that will change when general manager Adam Peters starts stacking good drafts.
This was something the previous regime couldn't accomplish. Peters had to gut the roster and plug holes by any means necessary. The results speak for themselves, but the most sustainable way to build a perennial contender is through cheaper rookie contracts.
It's a necessary evil right now. But make no mistake, Peters will already be thinking of ways to improve the squad with his assets available in 2026. And according to Tankathon, there are seven draft picks at his disposal currently.
Commanders select Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq in Jordan Reid's midseason mock draft
The college football campaign is already at the midseason point. Jordan Reid from ESPN took this time to release his first mock draft of the cycle, and he had the Commanders picking Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq at No. 15 overall.
"A pass-catching tight end is near the top of the Commanders' needs, with Zach Ertz turning 35 next month and on an expiring contract. Sadiq would be an appealing successor, providing Jayden Daniels with versatility in the passing game and serving as a dependable run blocker. Sadiq is young -- he doesn't turn 21 until March -- but he has continued to improve in his first season as a starter. He has three TDs this season."Jordan Reid
This would likely spell the end of Zach Ertz's time with the organization. The three-time Pro Bowler is still performing well, but like many influential figures in the Commanders' locker room, he is not getting any younger. A long-term solution needs to be found, and 2024 second-round pick Ben Sinnott remains an unknown quantity.
Sadiq is still a work in progress, but his upside is off the charts. He's explosive, dependable, and just scratching the surface of what he might be capable of. The Oregon prospect is improving all the time, so it's not hard to see why he's being projected as a first-round selection as things stand.
Whether the Commanders have the luxury of spending their first-rounder on a tight end is another matter. They desperately need a dynamic young edge rusher. They also need to find another productive wide receiver. And acquiring a cornerback or safety wouldn't be the worst idea in the world, either.
It'll be interesting to see what Peters decides when the time comes. The immediate focus centers on making the improvements needed to enhance the team's chances of going deep into the postseason once again. But if the pick does end up being Sadiq, nobody will be happier than superstar quarterback Jayden Daniels.