The Washington Commanders have signed 15 new players throughout an aggressive offseason from general manager Adam Peters so far. This was desperately needed, and with the 2026 NFL Draft upcoming, another significant opportunity to strengthen the roster awaits.
Peters has six selections during the draft. Only two are in the first four rounds after the Commanders traded for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil last year. While that move was a major success, it doesn't make the front office leader's task any easier when the all-important selection event commences.
Washington's draft success will be predicated on the No. 7 pick. Peters has no clue what's going to happen after Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza goes to the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 1 overall, but there should still be a chance to find an immediate difference-maker. And with the Commanders not selecting again until No. 71, they cannot get it wrong.
It's a fascinating dynamic, and nothing should be off the table. Using the Pro Football and Sports Network simulator, we took a look at how the Commanders might approach their selections in our latest seven-round mock draft.
Commanders' 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft builds on impressive free agency
Commanders draft Caleb Downs
- Safety | Ohio State Buckeyes
- Round No. 1 | Pick No. 7
There are some usual suspects coming into consideration for the Washington Commanders' pick at No. 7. Adam Peters could swing for the fences with Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. He could add receiver help or look for a shutdown cornerback with LSU prospect Mansoor Delane. Though unlikely after free agency, the edge rushing duo of David Bailey and Rueben Bain Jr. couldn't be completely dismissed.
Then, there is the Ohio State quartet. The Commanders sent a strong contingent to the Buckeyes' pro day to get a closer look at Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, Carnell Tate, and Caleb Downs. However, two or three could be gone by the time Washington goes on the clock.
It would be surprising if Downs wasn't still available. Based on the projected scheme that new coordinator Daronte Jones plans to run, this makes too much sense.
Positional importance may dictate a slide of sorts for Downs, but he's arguably the most talented overall prospect in this class. He is a legitimate three-level influencer. He is a tone-setter at the safety spot, with exceptional tackling technique and anticipation that allow him to get around the action consistently.
Downs is an outstanding support system in coverage, managing route concepts and transition changes with ease. The football IQ is absolutely off the charts, so this could be the guy Washington needs to ensure Jones hits the ground running.
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.
Commanders draft Trey Zuhn III
- Center | Texas A&M Aggies
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 187
One of the most contentious issues during the Washington Commanders' offseason was the release of starting center Tyler Biadasz. This caught everyone by surprise, but general manager Adam Peters believes it's in the team's best interests to move forward without him.
The Commanders have done almost nothing to fill the gaping void. Nick Allegretti will get the chance to compete for the job after a surprising extension ahead of time. Head coach Dan Quinn also hinted at possibly using Brandon Coleman as the offensive line's anchor, which could be an intriguing dynamic to watch.
Either way, more is needed. This is a decent draft class for centers, and Trey Zuhn III represents decent value at this stage.
The Texas A&M prospect is a physical force. He has impressive size, length, and footwork. Zuhn boasts violent hands, a strong anchor, and, for a taller interior lineman, extremely effective leverage.
Commanders draft Jack Kelly
- Linebacker | BYU Cougars
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 209
The Commanders gave their linebacker unit an injection of energy by signing Leo Chenal in free agency. With Frankie Luvu moving back to an off-ball role, and hopes still high around Jordan Magee, this looks like a potentially productive trio.
Another option should still be considered during the draft. The Commanders clearly like Ohio State prospect Sonny Styles, but he might not be around at No. 7. If Adam Peters waits a little longer, Jack Kelly could be a Day 3 pick capable of slotting seamlessly into Daronte Jones' schematic concepts.
Kelly is a sideline-to-sideline presence who thrives in run-and-chase situations. He's a swarming presence with the physicality and aggressive tendencies needed to be successful. The BYU prospect is also a threat to disrupt in opposing backfields, as evidenced by his 30.2 percent pressure rate on pass-rush reps last season.
If Kelly can refine his tackling technique and be more consistent with his angles, this could be a high-value pick.
Commanders draft Noah Whittington
- Running Back | Oregon Ducks
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 223
The Commanders could very easily take Notre Dame running back Jeramiyah Love at No. 7 overall if he is available. The dynamic prospect is the best backfield threat in this class, and it's not particularly close. However, Adam Peters could be looking for a little more value when push comes to shove.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt was a seventh-round pick last year, which was a bona fide steal. It looks more like a committee approach after the signings of Rachaad White and Jerome Ford, so adding another intriguing late-rounder wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.
Washington has shown interest in Oregon's Noah Whittington throughout the pre-draft process. He's not the most physically imposing, but he's a smooth, patient runner with enough athleticism to carve out a successful career.
Whittington has now fully recovered from an ACL injury to become a late bloomer. He's well worth a risk here.