There are still seven games remaining for the Washington Commanders in 2025. But with the season spiraling into irrelevancy when much more was expected, some sections of the fan base are already looking ahead to what promises to be a pivotal offseason for general manager Adam Peters.
The front-office leader has a significant amount of hard work ahead. Washington has roster holes everywhere you look. Peters' gamble to run it back with most of the squad that achieved so much in 2024 has backfired. A disastrous run of luck on the injury front hasn't helped, but it's clear that this squad, as presently constructed, isn't capable of reaching the heights fans anticipated.
Peters could have over $100 million to spend in free agency, and he'd be wise to use every cent before Year 3 of quarterback Jayden Daniels' rookie contract. The Commanders stood pat at the 2025 trade deadline, which was surprising to most, leaving Peters with only six selections in next year's draft to utilize. Not exactly ideal, but the former San Francisco 49ers executive will have to make the best out of a bad situation.
Using the Pro Football Network simulator, we took a look at how the Commanders could approach their selections in our latest seven-round 2026 NFL mock draft.
Commanders' 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft before Week 11 showdown
Commanders draft Keldric Faulk
- Edge Rusher | Auburn Tigers
- Round No. 1 | Pick No. 8
It's no secret that the Washington Commanders need to get more explosive on the defensive edge. Only Dorance Armstrong Jr. is guaranteed to be back next season, but even the ascending defensive end is in the final year of his deal in 2026.
One could make a case for Jacob Martin getting an extension, but he's a rotational piece being used as a starting-caliber option almost by default right now. Washington's defense is struggling to consistently generate pressure. Adam Peters must address this area of the field with the urgency it deserves when the 2026 offseason arrives.
Making a bold splash for someone like Trey Hendrickson couldn't be dismissed if he hits the open market. However, the Commanders need to start building through the draft, and that's where Keldrick Faulk comes in.
Faulk's sack numbers might not jump off the page, but he's got prototypical size, length, and athleticism. That tends to transition seamlessly into the professional ranks, so he's well worth a look if Arvell Reese is gone by the time Washington goes on the clock.
The Auburn prospect is a well-rounded player who will only get better in the NFL. This also fills arguably Washington's most pressing offseason need.
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.
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.