The Washington Commanders are sending some of their key staff to Indianapolis for their annual excursion to the NFL Scouting Combine. This not only gives the likes of general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn a chance to speak with draft prospects, but it's also a hive of activity for contract extensions, potential trades, and releases.
This offseason is of critical importance. The Commanders didn't reach the levels expected during the 2025 season. Injuries were a major factor in their demise, but this team wasn't built to contend. That's the long and short of it, which won't go unnoticed by Peters during his third recruitment phase at the helm.
Washington may have struggled last season, but the team could be in line for a quick turnaround if it maximizes its resources in the coming months. The Commanders could have north of $100 million to spend in free agency once additional moves are made. They only have six draft picks — two in the first four rounds. But Peters does have the No. 7 overall selection, which could be a useful bargaining tool, depending on how the board shakes out.
Using the Pro Football and Sports Network simulator, we took a look at how Peters might approach his draft selections in our pre-combine mock draft, which begins with a major trade.
Commanders make two major trades in seven-round mock draft
Commanders draft Lee Hunter
- Defensive Line | Texas Tech Red Raiders
- Round No. 1 | Pick No. 24
The Washington Commanders are not one piece away from contending. Adam Peters needs to consolidate this offseason while also taking the more gradual approach to building a contender. The best way to do this is during the draft, and the more picks he has to achieve this objective, the better Washington's long-term outlook will be.
In this scenario, a deal is struck with the Carolina Panthers for the No. 7 pick, allowing them to trade up for offensive tackle Spencer Fano. Another small move back with the Cleveland Browns takes Washington to No. 24 overall, which is enough to provide Peters with the arsenal needed to go all guns blazing.
There needs to be a focus on defensive reinforcements. New coordinator Daronte Jones is potentially switching to a 3-4 base front, so adding a true nose tackle with the ability to clog up space for others to do damage is critical.
That's where Lee Hunter comes in. The Texas Tech prospect is an explosive, fluid mover with the size, mass, and power to become a Day 1 asset as Washington's new defensive line anchor next to Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw.
More is undoubtedly needed, but this wouldn't be a bad place to start.