We are only three games into the NFL season, but the college football campaign is in full swing. For the Washington Commanders' front office, it has offered clues about potential prospects ahead of the all-important evaluation phase.
The Commanders are focused on making improvements, and they have momentum after a stunning upset over the Seattle Seahawks. Things are still hanging precariously, especially without star quarterback Jayden Daniels for at least another week, but general manager Adam Peters has half an eye on now and plenty on the future.
There is a long way to go and a lot of football left before some big decisions are due.
Washington's front-office leader recently revealed that he is saving money for upcoming contract extensions, but not everyone will get one. Any roster departures need to be replaced, and with Daniels also extension-eligible after the campaign, the best way to strengthen will be through the draft.
Peters' first three draft classes are a mixed bag. It's way too early to pass judgment on the 2026 group, but 2024 looks like a whiff aside from Daniels, and 2025 is still up in the air as well.
Things have to get better next spring. That's not up for discussion.
Using the Pro Football and Sports Network simulator, we took an early swing at which way the Commanders could go in our latest seven-round mock draft.
Washington Commanders 7-round 2027 NFL mock draft as early clues begin to form
Commanders draft Dylan Stewart
- Edge Rusher | South Carolina Gamecocks
- Round No. 1 | Pick No. 11
The Commanders look strong on the defensive edge right now, but that might not be the case next offseason.
K'Lavon Chaisson only signed a one-year deal, so Adam Peters may not pay him when push comes to shove. Dorance Armstrong Jr. is also out of contract, and coming off a torn ACL, there's no guarantee he'll return either.
That dictates the Commanders need more. And even though he's got some new red flags, Dylan Stewart is well worth considering if he falls this far down the pecking order.
Stewart is a phenomenal edge rusher. His explosiveness off the snap is jaw-dropping, and his quick-twitch movements allow him to counter offensive tackles effortlessly. The South Carolina product also plays with an edge and a relentless desire that's hard not to love.
That can also be to his detriment.
Of course, Stewart is now suspended until further notice and has received a one-game ban from the SEC for hitting Alabama tight end Josh Ford and refusing to come off the field. The pass-rusher lost his composure, and he paid a heavy price.
NFL scouts won't miss this, and the Commanders value high-character guys. But if this causes Stewart's stock to slide and he performs well in interviews, placing him opposite Odafe Oweh is a mouth-watering proposition.
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