The Washington Commanders now have more information on prospects of interest after the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
It was another fascinating few days in which potential stars either rose or diminished their stock. There is a long way to go, but general manager Adam Peters and his staff will now have a better idea of what options could be legitimately in the frame during the all-important selection process.
Peters has no real margin for error during the draft. The Commanders only have six picks, and only two of those are in the first four rounds after last offseason's blockbuster trade for left tackle Laremy Tunsil. While the front-office leader would do that deal again, it doesn't change the fact that Washington is short of high-end capital to utilize.
Obviously, the Commanders need to attack free agency with the vast financial assets at their disposal. Finding starting-caliber upgrades and cheaper options for depth purposes will be crucial to give Peters a little extra flexibility during the draft. Washington also has the No. 7 pick, which is the perfect opportunity to find a blue-chip prospect to potentially be a franchise cornerstone for years to come.
Using the Pro Football and Sports Network simulator, we took a look at how the Commanders may approach their picks in our post-Combine mock draft.
Commanders' 7-round 2026 mock draft after the NFL Scouting Combine
Commanders draft Sonny Styles
- Linebacker | Ohio State Buckeyes
- Round No. 1 | Pick No. 7
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles was already being touted as a potential option for the Washington Commanders before the NFL Scouting Combine. Now, he should be firmly on the team's radar.
Styles turned in a historic performance at Lucas Oil Stadium. His numbers were jaw-dropping and borderline record-breaking. More importantly, this stands up to what the second-level presence put on tape during his glittering spell with the Buckeyes.
The Commanders need more from the linebacking corps. This need becomes even greater if Bobby Wagner takes his chances elsewhere, which would be a bad thing given Washington's desperate need to get younger and more explosive on defense. Frankie Luvu will have a role to play, and Jordan Magee remains an intriguing option. But adding Styles into the mix would change everything.
He is a genuine sideline-to-sideline force with the dynamism and explosiveness to set the tone. Styles' previous experience at safety makes him a good coverage player, and his length could even be switched to the edge if the situation dictates.
Washington cannot miss on its first-round pick. Styles is a safer bet than most.