Commanders draft Suntarine Perkins
- Linebacker | Ole Miss Rebels
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 185
The Washington Commanders need more at the linebacker position this offseason. And they need a second-level presence capable of making a difference in coverage.
Bobby Wagner is still solid in between the tackles, but he was never great in coverage, and age is making him a weak link in this discipline. Frankie Luvu is being tasked with more edge rushing responsibilities amid Washington's injury problems, and the likes of Jordan Magee and Kain Medrano remain unknown quantities.
If Suntarine Perkins is still available at this stage of the draft, the Commanders should strongly consider bringing the Ole Miss prospect into the fold. He's a little undersized, but he thrives against the pass, which is precisely what Washington's defense needs.
Perkins has an exceptional burst, allowing him to reach the contact point quickly. His eye discipline is matched by an outstanding football IQ, but his shoulder problem, which required surgery, raises a red flag.
Commanders draft Bryce Lance
- Wide Receiver | North Dakota State Bison
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 196
Adding more weapons for quarterback Jayden Daniels should also be high on Adam Peters' list of priorities. Getting some productive veterans via free agency is almost guaranteed, but unearthing a gem from the 2026 NFL Draft is another possibility despite the limited resources at his disposal.
Terry McLaurin, Luke McCaffrey, and Jaylin Lane are the only guarantees to be back next season. One could make a case for Deebo Samuel Sr. and Treylon Burks getting new deals, but there is just no telling for sure. Much will depend on what happens on the free-agent market, but Bryce Lance could be a rough diamond to mold into a valuable contributor.
Even though Lance hasn't faced the highest standard of competition in college, his size, wing span, and hand-eye coordination make him a mismatch at all three levels of the field. The brother of quarterback Trey Lance can make things happen, especially at the business end of the field.
Commanders draft Judge Collier
- Cornerback | South Carolina Gamecocks
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 222
Adding to the cornerback unit might happen a lot higher in the draft than this. But given the Commanders' urgency to make improvements next season and the uncertain status of four-time Pro Bowl corner Marshon Lattimore, adding a prolific, experienced free agent is essential.
That could leave the Commanders looking for another athletic development project later in the draft. Mike Sainristil and Trey Amos will be back, but Lattimore's torn ACL and the $18.5 million in savings with an early departure mean other options are required. And that's without counting on Jonathan Jones and Noah Igbinoghene, both of whom are out of the contract.
Although this season might not be going according to plan for Judge Collier, he's still got the physical profile to be a decent boundary corner in the NFL with some technical refinement. He needs to avoid overcommitting, but he could also go back to school to bolster his stock after an underwhelming campaign.