Commanders draft Deontae Lawson
- Linebacker | Alabama Crimson Tide
- Round No. 3 | Pick No. 79
Bobby Wagner's future remains under a cloud. The future Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker wasn't ready to discuss any retirement rumors just after the season. But regardless of whether he calls it a day or not, it would be surprising if the Washington Commanders brought him back for another go-around.
Wagner remains a force in between the tackles, but he's more vulnerable in space than ever. The Commanders have Jordan Magee and Frankie Luvu as a potentially dynamic tandem. Even so, it may be worth finding another capable performer with the physical tools needed to be a long-term piece of the puzzle.
Deontae Lawson is an exceptional communicator and run defender. He was the leader of Alabama's defense this season, and even though the Crimson Tide fell short of expectations, his speed, instincts, and positional awareness will intrigue NFL teams on Day 2. If his medical red flags are satisfactory, this could be a decent option for the Commanders.
Commanders draft Vincent Anthony Jr.
- Edge Rusher | Duke Blue Devils
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 145
Adam Peters knows that the Commanders need more on their defensive edge. Consistently generating pressure was difficult in 2025. Although the injury problems didn't help, a revamp is needed to help Washington's new defensive coordinator hit the ground running.
The Commanders are being heavily linked to Rueben Bain Jr. and David Bailey in the first round. But with cash to spend in free agency, that could be the preferred route. At the same time, finding a high-upside rotational edge threat a little further down the pecking order must be considered.
Vincent Anthony Jr. has ascended in every college season at Duke. His 2025 efforts were his best yet, with 7.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss. The prospect's supreme length allows him to create leverage effortlessly. His anticipation against the run is also something that will enamor him to NFL scouts throughout the evaluation process.
If he can add some extra muscle mass and refine his tackling, someone is going to have a steal.
Commanders draft Lewis Bond
- Wide Receiver | Boston College Eagles
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 185
The Commanders need more weapons around quarterback Jayden Daniels. Only Terry McLaurin, Luke McCaffrey, and Jaylin Lane are guaranteed to be back in 2026. Two of those still have a lot to prove, so the wideout room could look a lot different by the time preparations for the new campaign gather pace.
David Blough will have his own ideas on how best to take the offense forward. Much will also depend on the future of Deebo Samuel Sr., who is out of contract. He'll be expensive to re-sign, so a cheaper option via the college ranks is something those in power will likely ponder.
Someone like Lewis Bond might be a risk worth taking at this stage of the draft. He's coming off a campaign where he almost secured 1,000 receiving yards. The Boston College prospect isn't the most physically imposing, but his speed and elusiveness make him a big-play threat in the correct scheme.