Adam Peters is about to embark on the most important two months since becoming general manager. The Washington Commanders need to make drastic improvements across the board, and this will all start in free agency.
Most fans and respected insiders are expecting fireworks from the Commanders when the league's legal tampering window opens. Washington has plenty of money to spend, but many dire needs that must be addressed. With only six selections in the 2026 NFL Draft and only two in the first four rounds, bold moves are essential.
This won't go unnoticed by Peters.
The Commanders have a greater urgency to take risks after an underwhelming 2025 campaign. There is also the small matter of maximizing their window whilst quarterback Jayden Daniels is still on his rookie deal. If the right reinforcements are found, that could provide an extra sense of freedom during the draft.
It's a guessing game right now. Washington's draft plans could become a lot clearer when the free-agent signings start rolling in. Needs will diminish, and new ones will surface. But one thing that cannot be disputed is the fact that Peters has no margin for error.
Using the Pro Football and Sports Network simulator, we took a look at how the Commanders could approach their picks in our seven-round mock draft before the free-agent frenzy commences.
Commanders' 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft before pivotal free agency
Commanders draft Sonny Styles
- Linebacker | Ohio State Buckeyes
- Round No. 1 | Pick No. 7
The Washington Commanders have Frankie Luvu and Jordan Magee as their potential starting linebackers next season. But if Bobby Wagner departs in free agency, Adam Peters would be wise to add more dynamic playmaking capabilities to the unit.
If Sonny Styles is still on the board, which is not guaranteed after his historic display of pure athleticism at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, he could be Washington's choice. And he has the potential to instantly transform the Commanders' fortunes at the defensive second level.
Styles can do it all. He's a supreme sideline-to-sideline force against the run. He's got the burst and length to be impactful in pass-rushing situations. He can blitz effectively, and his previous experience as a safety makes him an asset in coverage for good measure.
This is the sort of well-rounded prospect the Commanders need to find for Daronte Jones' scheme, which is expected to be more creative and aggressive. The only problem is that the Ohio State product may not be around when Peters goes on the clock with his stock soaring by the day.
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.
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.