Commanders draft Andre Fuller
- Cornerback | Toledo Rockets
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 198
The Washington Commanders need a rethink at the cornerback position. Marshon Lattimore's release highlights the need for another experienced option in free agency, but bolstering depth with a development project in the later rounds might be something for Adam Peters to ponder.
Mike Sainristil and Trey Amos were second-round picks, and they both have upside. Nobody else is guaranteed to return, though it might be worth getting something worked out with Jonathan Jones and hoping he gets a better run of luck on the health front.
Andre Fuller is the latest in a long line of Toledo corners who make it to the pros. While he doesn't come with the shutdown promise of Quinyon Mitchell, he's got some physical traits that NFL teams are eager to find out more about.
Expecting miracles from Fuller right out of the gate isn't smart. But if he lands in Washington, Daronte Jones's prowess in developing defensive backs should lead to improvements arriving quickly.
Commanders draft Mason Reiger
- Edge Rusher | Wisconsin Badgers
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 201
Though it would be surprising if the Commanders waited this long to draft an edge rusher, it couldn't be dismissed entirely if general manager Adam Peters attacks the position with a couple of prominent names in free agency.
Even in this scenario, depth must be enhanced. The Commanders need to get younger and more energetic on the defensive edge. Deatrich Wise Jr. and Drake Jackson were re-signed, but both have dealt with serious injury issues in recent years. Contingencies are needed if the same happens again next season.
Mason Reiger may not have put up elite sack numbers during his time at Wisconsin, but he's technically sound with a high motor. He also generated 45 pressures against some prolific linemen in 2025. If he can finish off plays more effectively, the prospect has rotational upside in the NFL.
Commanders draft DeMonte Capehart
- Defensive Line | Clemson Tigers
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 235
There is no denying that DeMonte Capehart is going completely under the radar compared to more highly touted defensive prospects at Clemson, but he offers some appeal as a developmental defensive lineman with rotational upside in the right scheme.
Capehart's ability to occupy gaps with supreme lower-body strength is his biggest asset. The prospect is a forceful weapon against the run, boasting heavy hands and raw power. This also allows him to be disruptive in pass-rushing situations, though consistency can be lacking in this area.
While he's a six-year college player entering the league, that's becoming less of a concern for teams. Seventh-round picks are always a crapshoot, but Capehart does have more encouraging athletic intangibles than most at this stage of the selection process.
And for the Commanders' defense, in desperate need of better depth in the trenches, this could be a solid rough diamond to mold.