Commanders draft Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
- Safety | Toledo Rockets
- Round No. 3 | Pick No. 72
After the Washington Commanders address the edge rushing spot, bolstering the secondary could be Adam Peters' next port of call. This was expected to be among the team's biggest strengths this season, but injuries and underperformance have led to these expectations disintegrating.
This is especially evident at the safety spots. Quan Martin's breakout hasn't happened. Will Harris got hurt early. Jeremy Reaves, Percy Butler, and Tyler Owens look more like special teams options right now, so acquiring another athletic option with immediate starting-caliber credentials wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.
The Commanders could target Caleb Downs in the first round, but positional value might see Peters wait until a little later in proceedings. In this scenario, taking a chance on Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is well worth considering.
McNeil-Warren comes from a smaller program at Toledo, but so did Quinyon Mitchell. He transitioned seamlessly after being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, and this year's Rockets prospect has the scope, explosiveness, and overall dynamism to do the same.
His quickness, physicality, and instincts already look NFL-ready. McNeil-Warren faces a steep step up in class. Still, there is nothing to suggest that he cannot continue his exceptional momentum en route to immediate involvement with the team fortunate enough to secure his services.
Commanders draft Emmett Johnson
- Running Back | Nebraska Cornhuskers
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 148
Running back is one of Washington's most underrated needs. But if general manager Adam Peters gets the chance, he should provide quarterback Jayden Daniels with a legitimate backfield threat he can depend upon on an every-down basis.
Austin Ekeler tore his Achilles in Week 2 and probably won't be back in 2026. Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. are also out of contract, although there is a decent chance both will get short-term extensions to enhance depth. Seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt's meteoric rise earlier in the campaign has tailed off dramatically, so it remains to be seen what his long-term future holds.
Adding another veteran in free agency to replace Ekeler will be considered. However, someone like Emmett Johnson represents a ton of value at this stage of the draft.
Johnson has been nothing short of sensational for the Nebraska Cornhuskers this season, accumulating 1,131 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns from 203 carries. He's improving as a pass blocker, and his 36 catches for 300 receiving yards and three scores through the air make him a dual-threat option.
There is a chance Johnson goes higher. But if he goes under the radar during the pre-draft evaluation process, someone is going to get an absolute steal.