Commanders draft Anthony Hill Jr.
- Linebacker | Texas Longhorns
- Round No. 2 | Pick No. 46
The Washington Commanders fortified their linebacking corps in free agency with the signing of Leo Chenal. With Daronte Jones moving Frankie Luvu back to an off-ball role and Jordan Magee projected to take a massive step forward, this could be a prolific trio to depend upon.
That hasn't stopped speculation from surfacing about the Commanders adding another capable performer to the defensive second level via the draft. Washington is reportedly high on Sonny Styles, but he may not be around when Adam Peters goes on the clock at No. 7. But if the front office leader can somehow move back for additional assets, some tempting prospects should be available in the second round.
Anthony Hill Jr. is among them. The Texas prospect was being touted as a potential top-five pick before the 2025 campaign. While his slight regression last season is concerning, the physical attributes are intriguing enough to hear his name called early on Day 2.
He is too reliant on his elite-level raw athleticism. Improving his processing and tackling technique will help take Hill's game to even greater heights.
Commanders draft Jalon Kilgore
- Safety | South Carolina Gamecocks
- Round No. 3 | Pick No. 71
Adding to the safety unit is almost guaranteed at some stage during the 2026 NFL Draft. The Commanders could do this as early as the No. 7 pick if they go with Ohio State star Caleb Downs. That is a popular name among draft experts around the media, but Adam Peters is also gathering information about several other candidates.
Jalon Kilgore is one of them. The South Carolina defensive back has the versatility that new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones needs within his projected system. He's spent time covering on the boundary, in the nickel, as a box safety, and even as a field safety.
This hybrid-type player fits a growing trend around the league. Kilgore's closing speed is first-class. He anticipates things extremely well, and his sprawling length, coupled with physical explosiveness, always leaves its mark.
If the Commanders get the chance to take Kilgore in the third round, that might be a difficult proposition to turn down if Downs isn't the guy at No. 7.
Commanders draft Tacario Davis
- Cornerback | Washington Huskies
- Round No. 4 | Pick No. 116
The Commanders could use another cornerback to complement the options already around. Reports suggest Adam Peters is looking to the draft for a viable solution, so it'll be interesting to see which direction he takes when it comes to the crunch.
Marshon Lattimore was released as expected. Jonathan Jones and Noah Igbinoghene both left for new challenges in free agency. Amik Robertson and Ahkello Witherspoon were signed from the veteran pool to go alongside Trey Amos and Mike Sainristil, but that won't be enough.
Tacario Davis is a more intriguing prospect than most at this stage of the draft. He's got the size, length, and strength to be a massive asset in press coverage. He bounced back from a disappointing 2024 campaign to star for the Washington Huskies in 2025. There are some fluidity limitations with his build, but his 52.5 passer rating when targeted last season shows how disruptive he can be in coverage.