The Washington Commanders are looking to revamp their roster after failing to meet expectations in 2025. General manager Adam Peters must be ruthless. After all, there is just no telling how much warmer his seat will get if things continue trending downward next time around.
Drastic action is needed. The Commanders have an abundance of salary-cap space that could exceed $100 million if the necessary sacrifices are made. Washington also has six selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, although only two of those are in the first four rounds.
That makes things more difficult for Peters. Ideally, he can find the right reinforcements from the veteran pool to provide the flexibility to take the best prospects available. Drafting for need almost never works, and the front-office leader must be aggressive to achieve this objective.
The Commanders could turn things around quickly with a little bit of luck on the health front and the correct recruitment approach this offseason. That's been lost amid all the doom and gloom, and a strong draft would go a long way in pursuit of improved fortunes.
Using the Pro Football Network simulator, we took a look at how Peters might approach matters in our post-Super Bowl mock draft.
Commanders' 7-round mock draft finds difference-makers and development projects
Commanders draft David Bailey
- Edge Rusher | Texas Tech Red Raiders
- Round No. 1 | Pick No. 7
The Washington Commanders are in a tricky predicament at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. Only one quarterback is expected to go before general manager Adam Peters goes on the clock. There should be some blue-chip prospects available, but it's an unfortunate waiting game with no clear outcome right now.
What cannot be disputed is Washington's need to bolster its pass rush. Peters made no secret of that fact during his end-of-season media availability, and one could make a strong case that several new additions are needed. Even if the Commanders acquire a productive veteran in free agency, that shouldn't prevent the front-office leader from finding a high upside prospect in the draft, either.
David Bailey may be the best of the bunch. The Texas Tech prospect took his game to new heights in 2025. His explosiveness, bend, and relentless motor make him a significant problem to counteract. He'd be an immediate upgrade on anything Washington has right now, so the Commanders should seriously consider bringing him into the fold if they get the chance.
Looking at the scheme that new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones plans to run, Bailey would be a perfect fit. Whether he'll be around or not is another matter.
Commanders draft Genesis Smith
- Defensive Back | Arizona Wildcats
- Round No. 3 | Pick No. 71
Daronte Jones should bring more creativity and aggressiveness to the Washington Commanders' defense. This was sorely lacking during the two years under the previous defensive coordinator, Joe Whitt Jr., who was inevitably fired after yet another underwhelming campaign by his unit.
If Jones plans to implement similar schematics to those of Brian Flores with the Minnesota Vikings, the personnel must improve drastically. Every position group needs an injection of energy. And for the safety unit, almost everyone should be on edge.
Aside from Jeremy Reaves, who'll probably move back into a core special-teams role, nobody should consider their positions safe. Speculation continues to rise about the Commanders potentially taking Ohio State safety Caleb Downs with the No. 7 pick, but several other prospects provide intrigue a little further down the pecking order.
Genesis Smith is among them. The early declaration out of Arizona has the size and physical profile Jones might be looking for. There are some technical refinements that need work, especially against the run, but his coverage capabilities are off the charts, and his athleticism is something teams will take a chance on at some stage on Day 2.
Smith may also be scratching the surface of what he's truly capable of. And there would be nobody better to enhance his craft than Jones.
Commanders draft Lewis Bond
- Wide Receiver | Boston College Eagles
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 145
While strengthening the defense should be high on the Commanders' list of priorities this offseason, general manager Adam Peters must continue to focus on putting the right pieces around quarterback Jayden Daniels. The skill positions have serious questions to answer, especially with new offensive coordinator David Blough looking to shake things up after his shocking promotion.
Only Terry McLaurin, Jaylin Lane, and Luke McCaffrey are guaranteed to return in the wide receiver room next season. Deebo Samuel Sr. may be extended if the price is right, but he could get interest from elsewhere in free agency. Either way, the Commanders need to find a young, cheap playmaker capable of becoming part of the team's long-term future during the draft.
That's where Lewis Bond comes in. He isn't the biggest or most dynamic, but his hands are rock-solid, and Boston College prospect has the elusiveness needed to become a yards-after-the-catch threat at the next level.
If Bond lands in a scheme that suits his strengths, he's got the scope to make an immediate difference with a smooth transition over the summer. And if Samuel does end up departing in free agency, this could be an enticing slot option to fill the void.
Commanders draft Kaleb Elarms-Orr
- Linebacker | TCU Horned Frogs
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 185
Adding to the linebacker unit is an absolute must for the Washington Commanders at some stage during the offseason. Bobby Wagner's skills are diminishing, so he'll probably retire or take his chances elsewhere in free agency. Frankie Luvu and Jordan Magee should have roles to play, but that shouldn't prevent general manager Adam Peters from finding the upgrades needed.
Even if the Commanders splash the cash in free agency, they need more. Perhaps a development project with a long-term upside can be found lower down the draft. In this scenario, Kaleb Elarms-Orr may be the rough diamond Peters is looking for.
Elarms-Orr had a standout campaign at TCU in 2025, gaining 130 tackles, four sacks, and 11 tackles for loss. He's got three years of accomplished starting experience, and he's got the sort of physical profile that head coach Dan Quinn might be coveting for Daronte Jones' new defensive system.
Commanders draft Cameron Bell
- Defensive Line | Arkansas Razorbacks
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 207
I toyed with the idea of taking a cornerback here. But with Mike Sainristil and Trey Amos being picked in recent years, general manager Adam Peters might be looking for more experience to put alongside this duo in 2026.
Instead, the choice was an interior defensive lineman. There are concerns about this group. Javon Kinlaw's big-money move hasn't paid off as yet. Johnny Newton looks like a pass-rush specialist and nothing more. Daron Payne is reportedly going to play out the final year of his deal, but all bets are off after that.
If Daronte Jones moves the Commanders to a 3-4 base, he could be looking for a nose tackle capable of clogging up space and being impactful against the run. Cameron Bell ticks those boxes, and if he can improve from a power and technical standpoint once he gets to the pros, someone is going to have a real player on their hands.
Commanders draft Aamil Wagner
- Offensive Tackle | Notre Dame Fighting Irish
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 223
The Commanders are blessed to have a bookend tackle tandem in four-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil and improving first-round pick Josh Conerly Jr. This was arguably the biggest positive to emerge from an underwhelming campaign, but depth behind them could be an issue right now.
Andrew Wylie, Trent Scott, and George Fant are all free agents and might not come back. If all three depart, the Commanders need to fortify their backup offensive line options, and the cheapest way to accomplish this feat is through the draft.
Seventh-round picks are a crapshoot. The Commanders struck gold last season with running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Aamil Wagner could be a risk worth taking, although expecting miracles right away is unrealistic.
Wagner has the size and length to potentially grow over time. There would also be no pressure on the edge protector right away in Washington, thanks to the presence of Tunsil and Conerly.