After a busy free agency that saw 15 new signings join the club, the Washington Commanders are now busy putting their final strategy together before the 2026 NFL Draft. General manager Adam Peters isn't blessed with many picks at the top end, and the pressure is on with a diminished margin for error.
This all starts by making the correct choice at No. 7 overall.
Peters could stand pat and take the best available prospect on his board. The front-office leader doesn't expect much trade movement, but some insiders around the league hold a different opinion. If this scenario comes to fruition, teams will be looking at Washington as a premier spot to jump up.
And they should be open for business.
Peters will closely examine what goes on in front of the Commanders. He'll have a plan in place for every eventuality, including potential trade-down scenarios. It would have to be a good offer, but it cannot be completely dismissed.
Using the Pro Football and Sports Network simulator, we took a look at how Washington could approach things with a first-round trade down in our latest seven-round mock draft.
Commanders 7-round mock draft begins with decisive trade down from No. 7
Commanders draft Makai Lemon
- Wide Receiver | USC Trojans
Round No. 1 | Pick No. 15
The Washington Commanders only have two picks in the opening four rounds. They are without second and fourth rounders after their trade for left tackle Laremy Tunsil last offseason. In this scenario, general manager Adam Peters strikes a trade down with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who moved up the order for Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr.
This gives the Commanders a second-round pick and a fourth-rounder this year, in addition to a 2027 second-round selection. That would be a tempting proposition, and NFL insider Jordan Schultz believes there will be more trade activity than people expect at the top end of the draft.
What direction the Commanders would go in this scenario is anyone's guess. Peters could address the defense, but the need to surround quarterback Jayden Daniels with more weapons in the passing game is crucial.
A chance is taken on wide receiver Makai Lemon. His test results were concerning, and there is also speculation about his subpar interviews to consider. But one look at his dynamic playmaking at USC indicates what a force he could become in the pros.
The Commanders could be looking for a new slot receiver after Deebo Samuel Sr. didn't get re-signed in free agency. If Washington is willing to ignore the supposed red flags, Lemon represents an enticing possibility whom they have shown interest in throughout the pre-draft process.