The Washington Commanders failed to meet the lofty bar they set for themselves by reaching the NFC Championship game. General manager Adam Peters was correct to push his chips into the middle, but now is the time for a different approach.
Massive changes are already underway in Washington. Kliff Kingsbury was replaced by new offensive coordinator David Blough, who has brought in a quarterbacks coach and assistant quarterbacks coach to work closely with Jayden Daniels. The Commanders are still seeking a defensive coordinator to replace Joe Whitt Jr., and the hire will inevitably implement scheme and staffing alterations once confirmed.
Peters must do his part on the playing personnel side. The Commanders have plenty of cash to spend in free agency, which will increase further once the necessary sacrifices are made. But with only six picks in the 2026 NFL Draft — two of which are in the first four rounds — the margin for error is long gone.
The Commanders haven't taken anything off the table. Peters would probably like to trade down for more capital, but that will be difficult with only one quarterback expected to be chosen before they go on the clock. If no suitable first-round offer arrives, there should be a blue-chip difference-maker available.
Using the Pro Football and Sports Network simulator, we projected how Peters might go about his business in our latest seven-round mock draft.
Commanders' 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft as pressure builds on Adam Peters
Commanders draft Caleb Downs
- Safety | Ohio State Buckeyes
- Round No. 1 | Pick No. 7
The Washington Commanders could take an edge rusher with their first-round pick. That is the top priority above all else, but much will also depend on the reinforcements acquired in free agency. And general manager Adam Peters is always going to take the best prospect available, regardless of need.
That brings Caleb Downs into the equation. While taking a safety this high isn't typically done, the Ohio State prospect is an exception. He is a legitimate cornerstone capable of transforming any defense. The Commanders need a game-wrecker on the defensive back end, and this would tick that box and then some.
If those in power believe Downs can become as impactful as Kyle Hamilton, they have to pull the trigger. While improvements must start upfront, if the Commanders can find free agents to plug these holes, spending their first-round pick on arguably the most talented overall prospect in this class would be worth its weight in gold.
Downs looks like a superstar. Positional value doesn't detract from that.
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.
Commanders draft Ephesians Prysock
- Defensive Back | Washington Huskies
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 195
It wouldn't be surprising to see the Washington Commanders take a cornerback much higher than this. But with Mike Sainristil and Trey Amos both being second-round picks over the last two years, general manager Adam Peters may decide to get some experience into the building via free agency to support this young tandem.
Marshon Lattimore looks set to be cut with $18.5 million in savings attached. Jonathan Jones, Noah Igbinoghene, and Antonio Hamilton Sr. are free agents and may not get another deal. Acquiring a couple of productive veterans would be wise, but there could be a rough diamond or two to be found during the draft if Peters can find the right ones.
Ephesians Prysock is an interesting prospect. He is a massive cornerback at 6-foot-4 who moves fluidly. There are some technical problems to work out, and adding play strength wouldn't be the worst idea in the world, but the Washington prospect has an intriguing athletic profile that warrants further investigation.
Commanders draft Josh Cuevas
- Tight End | Alabama Crimson Tide
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 207
The Commanders have some questions to answer at the tight end position. Zach Ertz has been the undisputed alpha in the room for the last two seasons, but the Pro Bowler is out of contract this spring. His torn ACL suffered late in the campaign all but guarantees he won't be back.
Ben Sinnott was projected to be Ertz's successor when the time comes. The Kansas State product hasn't developed as encouragingly as fans hoped, but confidence remains high that he can become a useful pass-catching asset, with John Bates tasked with the primary blocking duties.
Even so, the Commanders could draft another to develop in case Sinnott fluffs his lines. Josh Cuevas has some decent athletic traits, and the flashes he displayed at Alabama during the 2025 season suggest he can be molded into another viable option across the middle and in the red zone with some extra polish.
Commanders draft Dave Iuli
- Offensive Line | Oregon Ducks
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 223
If Chris Paul receives a contract extension this offseason to prevent him from leaving in free agency, all five starting offensive linemen will return in 2026. That'll be a massive boost, especially considering the widespread changes expected elsewhere. However, general manager Adam Peters must continue to find ways to enhance depth when injuries inevitably occur.
This has greater significance for the interior. Nick Allegretti looks like a cut candidate with one more year remaining on his deal. Andrew Wylie is a free agent and probably won't return. Brandon Coleman may be best suited to swing tackle duties rather than one of the guard spots.
Adding a developmental prospect in the later rounds might be something for the Commanders to consider. Dave Iuli may be a little technically flawed right now, but he's got the size and strength to potentially develop into a key rotational piece or a starting option over time.