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.
Commanders draft T.J. Parker
- Edge Rusher | Clenson Tigers
- Round No. 2 | Pick No. 51
The Washington Commanders need more dynamism in their edge-rushing room. General manager Adam Peters opted to prioritize other areas of the depth chart last offseason, relying on aging veterans with little time left in the league and on the large majority who helped the team reach the NFC Championship game in 2024. It didn't pay off, so a complete overhaul is needed to turn things around.
This takes on greater significance in light of the arrival of new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones. He wants more speed, aggression, and creativity as part of his more innovative schematic concepts. The only way he's going to achieve this feat is by improving his personnel.
After solidifying the defensive trenches in the first round, the Commanders take an ascending pass-rusher in the second. T.J. Parker could go much higher than this, but concerns about his lackluster final campaign could see his stock fall slightly.
Parker is a fluid edge defender with a quick burst off the snap and power in his hand movements, allowing him to gain leverage effortlessly. If he can get back to his 2024 college form at Clemson with an enhanced supporting cast in the pros, this represents a ton of value here.
Commanders draft Davison Igbinosun
- Cornerback | Ohio State Buckeyes
- Round No. 3 | Pick No. 70
Big changes are also coming to the Commanders' cornerback room. This group fell way short of expectations last season, and the lack of pass-rush made things even more difficult. Adam Peters needs to strengthen through free agency and the draft to give Daronte Jones the versatility and physicality he desperately needs across the secondary.
Marshon Lattimore is a prime cut candidate with $18.5 million in savings attached. Jonathan Jones, Antonio Hamilton Sr., and Noah Igbinoghene are all free agents and may not be back. That leaves the Commanders with just Trey Amos and Mike Sainristil, who should both have important roles to play once again in 2026.
Adding proven performers in free agency is a must. Acquiring another intriguing possibility via the draft isn't going to hurt, which brings Davison Igbinosun under the microscope on Day 2.
Igbinosun bounced back from a less-than-stellar 2024 campaign to thrive with the Ohio State Buckeyes last season. He specializes in press-man coverage, which is precisely what Jones is looking for on the boundary. He is also a formidable asset to call upon in run support, something most Washington corners didn't manage effectively enough under Joe Whitt Jr.
If Igbinosun adapts his discipline and ability at the catch point, someone is going to have an exceptional prospect on their hands.
Commanders draft Jake Golday
- Linebacker | Cincinnati Bearcats
- Round No. 3 | Pick No. 71
Continuing with the defensive focus early in the draft, the Washington Commanders' linebacking corps needs an injection of energy. Frankie Luvu and Jordan Magee should come along under Daronte Jones, but veteran Bobby Wagner's time with the club looks all but done after two seasons.
Wagner's been a fantastic servant, but Father Time is catching up to the future first ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer. The Commanders' rebuild may also not fit into his timeline if he decides to keep playing.
Adding via the draft should be considered. Prospects such as Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles may be options in the first round. If Adam Peters decides to wait, someone like Jake Golday could be a draft gem a little further down the order.
Golday saw his stock rise considerably after a standout final campaign with the Cincinnati Bearcats. He's a sideline-to-sideline presence who looks tailor-made for a 3-4 front, which is what Jones is expected to implement.
Commanders draft Kevin Coleman Jr.
- Wide Receiver | Missouri Tigers
- Round No. 4 | Pick No. 119
Even though the Commanders should rightfully prioritize their defense this offseason, Adam Peters also needs to add to the firepower around quarterback Jayden Daniels. And massive alterations could be coming to the wide receiver room.
Terry McLaurin, Jaylin Lane, and Luke McCaffrey will be around. Uncertainty surrounds the rest, and this need becomes more pressing if the Commanders decide not to re-sign Deebo Samuel Sr.
The Commanders have cash to spend in free agency, but adding through the draft gives them more flexibility and youthful exuberance. Kevin Coleman Jr. didn't stick around anywhere for long in college, which needs further investigation. But from a quick-twitch and talent perspective, there is a lot to like about the Missouri product.
Coleman emerged as a shining light for the Tigers in 2025. The numbers weren't eye-popping due to inconsistent quarterback play, but his fluid route-running and ability in space could be worth a gamble.
Commanders draft V.J. Payne
- Safety | Kansas State Wildcats
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 145
Daronte Jones singled out almost every safety under contract during his introductory press conference. But make no mistake; general manager Adam Peters should be looking to reinforce the back end urgently through free agency and the draft.
Aside from perhaps Jeremy Reaves, who got more involvement in the defensive rotation than ever, nobody else shone on the back end. Quan Martin, Will Harris, Percy Butler, and Tyler Owens will be anxiously awaiting their fate. And this is not the time for Peters to stand pat.
Caleb Downs remains strongly tipped for the Commanders at No. 7 overall. Washington traded out of that spot in this scenario, so targeting a rough diamond later on should be an option for Peters to consider.
V.J. Payne has the physical scope and athletic attributes to potentially thrive under Jones' exceptional guidance. He's a heavy hitter against the run who is improving in coverage, making him an enticing possibility.
Commanders draft Bryce Foster
- Offensive Line | Kansas Jayhawks
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 186
If Chris Paul is re-signed by the Washington Commanders this offseason, all of their starting five offensive linemen will return for the 2026 campaign. That is the biggest boost imaginable, but there are still concerns about the team's depth this offseason.
Andrew Wylie, George Fant, Trent Scott, and Lucas Niang are free agents. Nick Allegretti looks like a salary-cap cut candidate, although the Commanders have enough cash to absorb his contract if they decide his versatility is worth having as a backup role. Either way, more is required, and Washington should consider bolstering its depth chart with development projects later in the draft.
Bryce Foster might not be the finished article, but he's a plus-center with high upside. With Tyler Biadasz entering the final year of his deal, the Kansas product represents a solid contingency plan who could develop into a productive starter.
Commanders draft Riley Mahlman
- Offensive Tackle | Wisconsin Badgers
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 199
Trading for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil and drafting Josh Conerly Jr. at No. 29 overall gives the Commanders a bookend edge protection tandem for the first time in years. This stability will be integral for new offensive coordinator David Blough, but finding a capable backup with the scope to also be a starter over time is always worth contemplating.
No team should ever settle where offensive line depth is concerned, certainly not a team with so many pending free agents. Even though Riley Mahlman did not get an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine, he's an imposing physical force with significant starting experience at the college level. And the ceiling is through the roof if additional growth arrives.
Mahlman is a fast-footed mover with a 6-foot-8 wingspan capable of creating leverage effortlessly. There are some technical refinements needed, and the prospect needs to improve as a run blocker, but he'd get time to develop in Washington.
Commanders draft Dan Villari
- Tight End | Syracuse Orange
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 208
Adding to the tight end room should be a bigger priority for the Commanders than a sixth-round pick, in all honesty. But even if general manager Adam Peters spends on a veteran piece in free agency, creating more competition in the room wouldn't be a bad thing by any stretch of the imagination.
Zach Ertz's successful stint with the franchise is probably over. John Bates is the blocking specialist, but David Blough's assessment of Ben Sinnott indicates additional reinforcements are coming. Dan Villari is quickly becoming an intriguing sleeper in the draft, and his ability as a pass-catcher is something that warrants a closer look during Washington's pre-draft assessments.
The Syracuse product is a major threat after the catch. Villari has the versatility to line up almost anywhere, even in the backfield in short-yardage situations. If he adds to his route tree in the pros, he's got potential steal written all over him.