Commanders draft Riley Mahlman
- Offensive Tackle | Wisconsin Badgers
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 184
The Washington Commanders have a bookend tackle tandem in five-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil and No. 29 pick Josh Conerly Jr. This is something that should benefit the offense considerably moving forward, but there are questions behind the starting duo.
Andrew Wylie is a dependable backup, but he might be looking for a chance to start elsewhere in free agency. George Fant and Trent Scott are also out of contract and unlikely to return. That makes finding another developmental project in the draft worth considering once other holes have been filled.
Riley Mahlman ticks those boxes. He's a physical force at 6-foot-7 and 308 pounds with extensive college experience at Wisconsin. His mobility is impressive for a man his size, but improving his run blocking is crucial if he wants to become a starter one day.
Even so, Mahlman has the athletic tools to provide intrigue.
Commanders draft Jack Endries
- Tight End | Texas Longhorns
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 203
The Commanders could use another tight end to help them along the way. Zach Ertz has manned the No. 1 spot over the last two years, but his torn ACL late in the season means his prolific spell in Washington is likely over.
John Bates is an elite blocker, but his limitations in the passing game are obvious. Ben Sinnott remains an unknown quantity, and Colson Yankoff will be fighting for his roster spot once again in 2026. More is needed, especially with Jayden Daniels losing his primary release valve in Ertz.
There is a lot to like about Jack Endries' chances of being an under-the-radar prospect with upside. He's a smooth route runner with dependable hands who became more influential as the season went on. He's opted to enter the draft rather than go back to college, and he's someone the Commanders should investigate further.
Commanders draft Rayshaun Benny
- Defensive Line | Michigan Wolverines
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 221
There are plenty of unknowns on the Commanders' defensive line interior entering the 2026 offseason. And the decisions Adam Peters makes will have big-time ramifications attached.
Daron Payne's future is in doubt, and Javon Kinlaw's big-money move to Washington hasn't brought any legitimate optimism as yet. Johnny Newon looks like a pass-rush specialist rather than a three-down force, which isn't what those in power had in mind when they spent a second-round pick on the player in 2024.
Eddie Goldman did enough for another short-term deal, but that shouldn't stop the Commanders from finding another developmental option with rotational upside later in the draft. Rayshaun Benny is a five-year player at Michigan who won a national championship under Jim Harbaugh. He's got limitations from a pass-rushing standpoint, but the size, core strength, and violent hands should ensure he hears his name called at some stage.