Commanders draft Connor Lew
- Center | Auburn Tigers
- Round No. 3 | Pick No. 71
The Washington Commanders are looking for a new starting center after releasing Tyler Biadasz. Unsurprisingly, he found work quickly, signing a decent deal with the Los Angeles Chargers before free agency. Fans are asking questions, so Adam Peters must find the right answers.
Washington extended Nick Allegretti early, suggesting he could get a chance to start. There are some intriguing free agents available, and this looks like a good draft to find a younger, cheaper long-term solution.
It'll be interesting to see what Peters has planned. If he does decide to go down the draft route, Connor Lew is well worth considering.
The Auburn prospect is arguably the most pro-ready center coming to the pros this year. Lew boasts exceptional positional sense and a high football IQ. But the Commanders would need a satisfactory medical assessment of the prospect's torn ACL before taking the plunge.
Commanders draft V.J. Payne
- Safety | Kansas State Wildcats
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 159
Daronte Jones may have highlighted his confidence in Washington's safety options during his introductory press conference, but Adam Peters' actions throughout his third recruitment phase at the helm could paint a very different picture.
The Commanders need more. They need versatile, physical players on the back end who can make a difference in all phases. The likes of Quan Martin, Will Harris, and Tyler Owens might improve under Jones' guidance, but standing pat doesn't seem feasible after how things unfolded in 2025.
Washington could take a safety at No. 7 if the team is enamored enough by Caleb Downs. If not, someone like V.J. Payne has the size, length, and growth potential well worth taking a chance on at this stage of the draft.
Payne is instinctive, hard-hitting, and knows how to get around the action quickly. Once some technical refinements are in place, someone could have a steal.
Commanders draft Lewis Bond
- Wide Receiver | Boston College Eagles
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 187
Even if the Commanders splash the cash on another productive wide receiver in free agency, adding to the room at some stage during the draft is another strong possibility. Adam Peters remains confident in Luke McCaffrey and Jaylin Lane, but Washington cannot leave anything to chance with such high stakes in 2026.
While Lewis Bond might lack some explosive athleticism compared to other wide receivers in this class, that doesn't mean he cannot be productive at the next level.
He's a sharp route runner with ultra-dependable hands. Bonds' physical profile and sound field vision make him a threat to gain yards after the catch. If Deebo Samuel Sr. leaves in free agency, which is entirely possible, this could be an intriguing replacement.
Bond isn't the flashiest prospect, but he does everything well. With a smooth transition, he could impact the slot rotation immediately.