Commanders draft Tacario Davis
- Cornerback | Washington Huskies
- Round No. 3 | Pick No. 76
The Washington Commanders have spent a lot of high-end draft capital on the cornerback position in recent years. They also made a bold trade for Marshon Lattimore. But looking at how things are unfolding right now, this could be another big priority for general manager Adam Peters next spring.
Lattimore is going through a rollercoaster start. Jonathan Jones and Noah Igbinoghene might not be back. Trey Amos and Mike Sainristil look like long-term pieces of the puzzle, but that won't be enough.
If Tacario Davis is still around by this point, Peters could secure another Day 2 steal. The Washington prospect began his college career as an edge rusher before moving into the secondary. He's transitioned extremely well, overwhelming opponents with a unique blend of size, strength, and quick-twitch movements.
Davis has dealt with some injury problems this season. Considering the questions around Amos before the draft, that won't bother Peters too much if there is genuine conviction in his talent.
Commanders draft Anthony Smith
- Edge Rusher | Minnesota Golden Gophers
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 158
Commanders fans were clamoring for Adam Peters to do more at the edge-rushing spot this offseason. The general manager thought Washington had enough to suffice, and he's been proven right so far.
The Commanders' defensive front, which was expected to be a weak link, has become an area of strength. Dorance Armstrong Jr. is putting up Pro Bowl-caliber numbers. Von Miller and Jacob Martin are flashing, and the interior trio of Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, and Johnny Newton has been a revelation.
Still, it's something Peters will probably address in 2026. Adding capable veterans in free agency seems feasible. He could also go down the draft route, which brings Anthony Smith under the microscope.
Smith's progress over the last two seasons cannot be ignored. He's a relentless force in pursuit of getting into the backfield. The prospect displays plenty of enthusiasm as a pass-rusher, but refining some technical flaws will be the first task for whatever team drafts him.
Commanders draft Bryce Anderson
- Safety | Texas A&M Aggies
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 198
It's not just the cornerback room where the Commanders could use some help. Washington's safety unit might also need a revamp next spring, even if there is enough to maintain current operations.
Quan Martin is an established figure. Will Harris shone early but suffered a devastating injury that could rule him out for the entire campaign. Percy Butler is a sound special-teams performer. The same goes for Jeremy Reaves, who's also been more involved in the defensive rotation this season. Darnell Savage Jr. just arrived, and Tyler Owens remains something of an unknown quantity.
Adding another development project later in the draft wouldn't be the worst idea. Bryce Anderson looked like a potential superstar during his sophomore year with Texas A&M. He might not have hit those heights since. Still, the athleticism and anticipation represent solid foundations from which to build in the professional ranks.