The Washington Commanders mercifully have just one more game to navigate before the 2025 campaign ends. It's been a disaster almost from start to finish, and one could forgive fans for checking out long before head coach Dan Quinn's squad was beaten on Christmas Day by the Dallas Cowboys.
It's all about the offseason for them now. Adam Peters is embarking on a critical third recruitment period at the helm, and the stakes couldn't be much higher. He must get almost every decision right, especially when it comes to the 2026 NFL Draft.
Peters doesn't have much to work with. The Commanders have six selections throughout the event, but only two of those come in the first four rounds after bold trades for stud left tackle Laremy Tunsil and Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore. Not exactly ideal, but Washington's dismal run of recent results ensures they could potentially have a top-five choice in the first round when push comes to shove.
That opens things up for Peters. He could explore trade-down opportunities. However, that largely depends on whether Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore (if he declares) remain on the board. The Commanders could also take this opportunity to find a blue-chip prospect with franchise cornerstone potential, which would be equally beneficial.
It'll be fascinating to watch how Peters approaches the offseason. Using the Pro Football Network simulator, we took a look at how the Commanders might go about things in our latest seven-round mock draft.
Commanders' 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft begins with elite difference-maker
Commanders draft Arvell Reese
- Linebacker | Ohio State Buckeyes
- Round No. 1 | Pick No. 7
The Washington Commanders need a makeover on defense this offseason. Head coach Dan Quinn will likely fire defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. after he was removed from play-calling duties. This unit also desperately needs an injection of explosiveness, dynamism, and youthful exuberance. Don't be surprised if this comes with his first-round pick.
If Arvell Reese is still on the board when Washington goes on the clock, it would be a tricky proposition to turn down. Bobby Wagner's future beyond the campaign is in doubt despite his substantial numbers. If he retires or takes his chances elsewhere, the Commanders need a sideline-to-sideline force with long-term upside.
Reese offers that and more. He's a physical mismatch, boasting the size and athleticism Quinn typically looks for in his linebackers. He explodes into running lanes, can generate pressure at will, and is also developing encouragingly from a coverage standpoint for good measure.
There are no sure things in the draft. However, the Ohio State prospect is as close as it gets.
Commanders draft Davison Igbinosun
- Cornerback | Ohio State Buckeyes
- Round No. 3 | Pick No. 71
A second-straight prospect from Ohio State lands with the Washington Commanders in this scenario. And even though general manager Adam Peters has invested a lot of capital in the cornerback room since joining the franchise, he needs more.
Four-time Pro Bowl corner Marshon Lattimore is likely done with the Commanders after tearing his ACL. Mike Sainristil is a feast-or-famine defensive back, and where he is best suited remains a topic of fierce debate. Trey Amos showed rookie promise. The duo of Jonathan Jones and Noah Igbinoghene will probably be moved on when their contracts expire.
Another cornerback revamp is required, and Davison Igbinosun represents a ton of value in the third round. The Buckeyes' prospect could go a lot higher, but his size and length look capable of carving out a role for himself immediately if he adds a little extra muscle mass.
His versatility allows him to play anywhere across the line of scrimmage. Igbinosun needs to work on his technique, and he won't be able to rely too much on his physicality in the pros. However, there is a lot to like, and the Commanders could do a lot worse at this stage of the draft.
Commanders draft Akheem Mesidor
- Edge Rusher | Miami Hurricanes
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 147
Even though Akheem Mesidor is a six-year college player, the trajectory is still firmly pointing up. The edge rusher has been a revelation for the Miami Hurricanes in 2025, causing significant disruption in the opposing backfield to form a devastating tandem with projected first-round pick Rueben Bain Jr.
Bain gets the lion's share of attention from opposing protection schemes, which have allowed Mesidor to flourish. He's taken advantage of them en route to 13.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks. His burst off the line is improving, as is his hand placement to shed blocks in pursuit of the ball carrier.
There are some injury red flags that must pass tests during the evaluation process. Mesidor put together two seasons without any massive injury problems after his 2023 campaign was cut short. But if everything checks out, the Commanders' need for more pass-rushers makes him an intriguing option on Day 3.
They will need much more than Mesidor, looking at their current options. Even so, this could be an enticing rotational piece that could develop into something more with additional refinement once he reaches the professional ranks.
Commanders draft Keon Sabb
- Safety | Alabama Crimson Tide
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 185
The Washington Commanders have some questions to answer at the safety position. Nobody has provided the consistency needed to make a difference. Quan Martin's breakout has been a disaster, and the decision to let Jeremy Chinn leave in free agency has come back to haunt general manager Adam Peters.
Another veteran is needed to help turn the tide. The Commanders would also be wise to find a longer-term option via the draft at some stage, but much will depend on how those in power perceive the development of Percy Butler and Tyler Owens.
If Keon Sabb is still around at this stage, it could be a risk worth taking. The Alabama prospect has the size and instincts to carve out a role for himself. There are some massive injury red flags to work out, but he's at least been healthy this season.
Commanders draft Tyler Onyedim
- Defensive Line | Texas A&M Aggies
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 200
Washington's defensive front could need a few tweaks this offseason. Daron Payne's future is clouded, with one year remaining on his deal. Javon Kinlaw will be around thanks to his contract, but the risky move to bring him on board hasn't paid off. Johnny Newton looks like a pass-rushing specialist and nothing more. Run-stuffer Eddie Goldman has done enough for another one-year commitment.
Adding to the rotation wouldn't be the worst idea in the world. Tyler Onyedim possesses some valuable traits that warrant closer examination. His strong core base makes him difficult to overcome against the run. He's not the most explosive in pass-rushing situations by any stretch, but he can overwhelm interior linemen once early momentum is generated.
Commanders draft Caden Curry
Edge Rusher | Ohio State Buckeyes
Round No. 7 | Pick No. 221
As previously mentioned, the Commanders have a dire need to bolster their pass-rushing options this offseason. This position group hasn't had the desired attention from general manager Adam Peters. That must change urgently in the coming months.
Caden Curry might not be the most athletic. He might not have the highest ceiling. However, he's a playmaker with a relentless persona that inspires others around him.
Curry has moved into a starting role this season and thrived. The defensive end is a powerhouse against the run, earning 16.5 tackles for loss. His high football IQ and even stronger motor resulted in 11 sacks, so it's well worth a flyer with Washington's final selection of the 2026 NFL Draft.