Although the 2026 NFL Draft seems like a long way off for Washington Commanders fans right now, those behind the scenes are already devising scouting reports and shortlists before the all-important assessment phase arrives. And when that time comes, fans will have complete faith in Adam Peters.
The general manager has done a remarkable job with the Commanders' roster so far. Peters has been forced to rely on experience after some woeful drafts from the previous head coach, Ron Rivera. It's brought the required improvements, but it wasn't his desired path when he took the job.
Peters can turn this around by stacking good drafts. That's the best way to build a sustainable contender, and the returns from his first two classes are encouraging. Hitting on quarterback Jayden Daniels changed everything for this franchise. However, several others are starting to emerge as potential cornerstones for good measure.
Another strong draft from Peters in 2026 would be the crowning jewel in his master plan. According to the Pro Football and Sports Network, the Commanders could have eight picks at their disposal if their compensatory projections are accurate. Most of these are in the later rounds after some frantic trade activity, but there is no one more qualified than Washington's front-office leader to find diamonds in the rough.
Using the PFSN simulator, we took an early look at how the Commanders could spend these picks in our seven-round mock draft.
Commanders 2026 mock draft could be crowning jewel in Adam Peters' master plan
Commanders draft Arvell Reese
- Linebacker | Ohio State Buckeyes
- Round No. 1 | Pick No. 17
The Washington Commanders have a strong linebacking tandem in Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu. However, the former isn't getting any younger.
Wagner is firmly at the tail-end of his Pro Football Hall of Fame career. He remains a supreme organizer and exceptional presence against the run. Even so, Adam Peters would be wise to consider finding his long-term successor from a stacked linebacker class set to take their chances at the next level in 2026.
Arvell Reese is someone who's already surging up draft boards after his sensational second season as a starter at Ohio State thus far. He's got the size, length, and explosiveness that look tailor-made for Dan Quinn's schematic concepts. His strength is defending the run, and the prospect's anticipation regarding play development is coming on encouragingly.
Even if Wagner does return for a third season in Washington, Peters could do far worse than look in Reese's direction. Trading down also couldn't be dismissed entirely, considering the Commanders don't have second or fourth-round picks currently.
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.
Commanders draft Ethan Onianwa
- Offensive Line | Ohio State Buckeyes
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 202
No team should ever settle along the offensive line. Adam Peters recognized this fact during the offseason, spending the No. 29 pick on Josh Conerly Jr. and trading for Laremy Tunsil to form the Washington Commanders' new bookend tackle tandem.
This looks like tremendous business so far. Tyler Biadasz remains the glue guy at center, and Sam Cosmi is set to make a triumphant return from a torn ACL in the coming weeks. Even Chris Paul is staking a strong case after the Commanders surged him into the starting left guard position.
Keeping continuity should be the primary objective. Peters should also find upgrades to the team's depth if injuries occur. Although he is far from the finished product, Ethan Onianwa has the physical profile to become something more with enhanced coaching.
Onianwa is a massive presence with the ability to play on the edge or the interior. He mirrors oncoming rushers well and boasts the brute strength needed to hold his ground on running plays. Once his footwork and pad level are improved, it's all systems go.
Commanders draft Isaiah Horton
- Wide Receiver | Alabama Crimson Tide
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 211
The Commanders will need more at the receiver position in 2026. Terry McLaurin, Luke McCaffrey, and Jaylin Lane will be back, but Deebo Samuel Sr. and Noah Brown are out of contract with their futures uncertain.
If Samuel keeps up his current pace, the Commanders should extend him. Brown is injury-prone, so identifying a rough diamond with similar traits later in the draft could be the smart way to go.
Isaiah Horton is a 6-foot-3 wideout with a large wingspan that makes him incredibly difficult to cover in red-zone situations. Enhancing his route tree could unlock even more from the Alabama prospect once he gets to the pros.
Commanders draft Bryson Washington
- Running Back | Baylor Bears
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 215
Jacory Croskey-Merritt has taken the NFL by storm through five weeks. The Commanders could have found the steal of the 2025 draft if the same trend continues, but there are questions elsewhere in the running back room.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. is the most likely to stick around. Jeremy McNichols is aging and seen more as a special-teamer these days. Austin Ekeler suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Week 2 and probably won't be back once his contract expires.
That could lead Peters to another late-round running back following his success with Croskey-Merritt. Bryson Washington fits the bill, with his two highly productive seasons at Baylor sure to attract interest when the 2026 pre-draft process begins.
Commanders draft Eli Stowers
- Tight End | Vanderbilt Commodores
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 234
This could be veteran tight end Zach Ertz's last season. He's still playing well, but age eventually catches up to everyone. John Bates and Ben Sinnott are long-term pieces. That won't be sufficient if Colson Yankoff cannot refine his skill set.
Eli Stowers has more intrigue than most projected Day 3 picks. He started his college career at tight end before spending two years at quarterback. A switch to Vanderbilt saw him move back to his original position, and there's been a lot to like about his improved route-running and dependable hands.
Stowers is quickly picking up the nuances and timing. There are significant improvements needed as a blocker, but the Commanders have Bates and Sinnott to address this.