Commanders draft Zachariah Branch
- Wide Receiver | Georgia Bulldogs
- Round No. 3 | Pick No. 95
A trade down from No. 71 overall gives the Washington Commanders another pick this year and a third-rounder in 2027. General manager Adam Peters isn't expecting much movement up or down in the top 10, but he may be fortunate a little lower down the board.
After focusing heavily on defense in free agency, adding to the firepower around quarterback Jayden Daniels will be high on his to-do list in the draft. With Deebo Samuel Sr. unlikely to return at this stage, finding a dynamic receiver with yards-after-the-catch prowess would be highly advantageous.
While Zachariah Branch can find it difficult to create separation, he's a solid fit if a team schemes correctly around him. Get the football in his hands, and magic happens. The Georgia prospect is compact, elusive, and physical. Designing his touches will smooth his transition, which David Blough could easily accomplish in a receiver room crying out for more dynamism.
Commanders draft Devon Marshall
- Cornerback | North Carolina State Wolfpack
- Round No. 4 | Pick No. 125
Adding to the cornerback unit is something the Commanders will consider at some stage during the draft. Amik Robertson and Ahkello Witherspoon were acquired in free agency, but that won't be enough alongside Trey Amos and Mike Sainristil.
Marshon Lattimore, Noah Igbinoghene, and Jonathan Jones all left the club as expected. The Commanders may be happy enough with what they have. They may spend the No. 7 pick on LSU prospect Mansoor Delane. There is no telling for sure right now, but if Devon Marshall is around here, it would be a tempting proposition.
Marshall is widely tipped to be a massive sleeper in this year's class. His production last season at North Carolina State was highly impressive. Though he is a little undersized, he's also got inside-outside versatility, which is key for the scheme Daronte Jones plans to run.
If the prospect can improve his discipline, which makes him vulnerable to double moves, Marshall can be a rotational option immediately.
Commanders draft De'Zhaun Stribling
- Wide Receiver | Ole Miss Rebels
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 147
The Commanders need more in their wide receiver room. Speculation remains high that Brandon Aiyuk could join the franchise. That might not be anytime soon, given how difficult the San Francisco 49ers are being after being stung by the 2020 first-round pick's behavior.
Regardless of whether Aiyuk comes in or not, the Commanders cannot settle for just that. Fortunately, this is another strong draft class, and the signings of Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson Jr. shouldn't preclude Adam Peters from targeting one or two wideouts for quarterback Jayden Daniels to depend upon.
De'Zhaun Stribling is an intriguing name at this stage of the draft. He may even go a lot higher than this. But if he does make it down to No. 147, it should provoke a discussion between Washington's decision-makers.
Stibling is fast, big, and athletic. If the prospect can improve his concentration and expand his route tree, he's got a relatively high ceiling.