Commanders draft C.J. Daniels
- Wide Receiver | Miami Hurricanes
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 147
It wouldn't be shocking to see the Washington Commanders address the wide receiver room much sooner than this. But the dire need to provide youthful energy to the defense must take priority. It's not ideal, but one only has to look at how this season has gone to see why Adam Peters could go down this route.
C.J. Daniels has gone through a turbulent college career. He looked like a star at Liberty but struggled to find his feet at LSU in 2024. A transfer to Miami came with decent but unspectacular production. However, he's got the size and scope to potentially be a factor as a big-bodied target on the boundary.
If Noah Brown leaves in free agency, this could be a solid Day 3 option.
Commanders draft Nick Barrett
- Defensive Tackle | South Carolina Gamecocks
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 184
The Commanders' defensive line interior faces some questions this offseason. Daron Payne's future is clouded, with one year remaining on his deal. Eddie Goldman is out of contract, and second-year pro Johnny Newton hasn't made the required progress to inspire confidence. This could lead Washington to another draft pick a little lower down the order.
Nick Barrett comes with outstanding physical traits. He's got the size to hold his own against the run. The South Carolina prospect is starting to put everything together from a production standpoint, gaining two sacks, six tackles for loss, and 47 tackles for the Gamecocks in 2025.
If Goldman and Payne depart, this could be the rotational run-stuffer they're looking for.
Commanders draft Jack Endries
- Tight End | Texas Longhorns
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 205
Zach Ertz's devastating torn ACL against the Minnesota Vikings all but guarantees he won't be back in 2026. If Ben Sinnott cannot show some signs of life during his upcoming four-game audition before the offseason, general manager Adam Peters won't hesitate to find players who can produce.
Adding a veteran in free agency couldn't be ruled out entirely. He could also take a draft prospect much higher than this, but if he decides to wait a little longer, Jack Endries might have the traits the Commanders are looking for.
Endries might end up going back to Texas with Arch Manning in a more focal role. But his flashes as a pass-catcher represent an intriguing prospect to develop.
Commanders draft Jake Slaughter
- Offensive Line | Florida Gators
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 219
If the Commanders extend Chris Paul this offseason, their five starting offensive lineman will all be back in 2026. During a campaign where little has gone right for Washington, that continuity cannot be seen as anything other than positive.
That said, no team should ever settle. The Commanders must find sufficient depth to compensate for any potential injuries. And with Tyler Biadasz entering the final year of his deal in 2026, adding a young prospect at the center spot to learn behind the proven veteran wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.
Jake Slaughter isn't a world-beater yet. But he's dependable, consistent, and has athletic traits that can be further developed.