Commanders draft McKale Boley
- Offensive Line | Virginia Cavaliers
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 185
The Washington Commanders spent their first-round pick on Josh Conerly Jr. and traded for left tackle Laremy Tunsil. This can hopefully provide a bookend edge protection tandem that Jayden Daniels can depend upon long-term.
That's the best-case scenario, but no NFL team should get complacent when it comes to depth. Trent Scott, Andrew Wylie, and George Fant will be free agents next spring, so drafting a developmental tackle to sit behind the projected starting pair wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.
McKale Boley is an interesting prospect. The 6-foot-5, 316-pound lineman started his football journey on the defensive front before switching to the opposite trench. He's a fluid mover with sound hand placement and enough core functional strength to hold his own against the run.
Some technical refinements are needed, but there is enough to suggest Boley can become a decent pro if the required developments arrive in the coming months.
Commanders draft Cameron Calhoun
- Cornerback | Alabama Crimson Tide
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 188
Washington's cornerback unit could become an area of strength this season. Four-time Pro Bowl veteran Marshon Lattimore and second-round rookie Trey Amos will start on the boundary. Mike Sainristil is a superstar in waiting. Jonathan Jones and Noah Igbinoghene provide decent depth, so this could be a highly productive group if everyone stays healthy.
Jones and Igbinoghene will be free agents in 2026. That means some tinkering might be needed if neither does enough for a new deal. If general manager Adam Peters can find a hidden gem later in the draft, that would go a long way to rectifying this potential issue.
Cameron Calhoun is a name to watch. He was Sainristil's teammate at Michigan in 2023 before transferring to Utah for more playing time. That was a shrewd move, and he's now gone to Alabama to test his skills in the SEC.
If Calhoun passes this test with flying colors, he'll be on the radar of several NFL teams.
Commanders draft C.J. Donaldson
- Running Back | Ohio State Buckeyes
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 220
The Commanders traded Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers when he quickly fell out of favor. Austin Ekeler, Chris Rodriguez Jr., Jeremy McNichols, and seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt will lead the backfield charge, but things are increasingly uncertain after this season.
Ekeler, Rodriguez, and McNichols are all free agents. Croskey-Merritt has gained significant hype this summer, but he remains an unknown quantity until further notice. That means general manager Adam Peters could add another gifted running back from the college ranks in 2026 if the situation dictates.
C.J. Donaldson started his college career at tight end but was switched to running back as a freshman and thrived, gaining 2,058 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns in three seasons to boost his stock considerably. That production didn't go unnoticed.
Donaldson secured a prestigious transfer to reigning national champions Ohio State. If he can establish himself and continue his impressive development, the prospect should hear his name called during the draft.