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.
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.
Commanders draft Logan Jones
- Center | Iowa Hawkeyes
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 146
The Washington Commanders will have a new starting center next season after surprisingly parting ways with Tyler Biadasz with one year remaining on his deal. Adam Peters hasn't done much to fill the void either, but this is a solid draft class to potentially pick up a hidden gem later in the process.
Taking a center higher will also be considered. But if Iowa's track record on the offensive line is any indication, Logan Jones might be a starting option in the making.
Jones will be an older rookie at 25, but the skill set he brings to the table is intriguing. Adding some extra play strength will be crucial to help smooth his transition.
Commanders draft Diego Pounds
- Offensive Tackle | Ole Miss Rebels
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 187
Offensive line stability is rare in the NFL. The Commanders have it at four of the five starting positions. If Adam Peters can resolve the center position effectively, this could once again be among the team's biggest strengths in 2026.
That said, no team should ever settle. Enhancing depth a little further down the draft order should be considered. Laremy Tunsil and Josh Conerly Jr. look like a bookend tackle tandem, but the Commanders should still be aiming to find a development edge enforcer in the event injury strikes.
Diego Pounds has the size, length, and power to be a potential starter with some extra technical refinement. And in Washington, he'd get all the time he needs to learn.
Commanders draft Vincent Anthony Jr.
- Edge Rusher | Duke Blue Devils
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 209
The Commanders don't have a glaring need at edge rusher heading into the draft. Adam Peters was aggressive in free agency, signing Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson, and Charles Omenihu. With veteran Dorance Armstrong Jr. making good progress in his recovery from a serious knee injury, this has the makings of a productive quartet if they stay healthy.
Even so, it might be worth the Commanders adding another edge rusher to develop. Chaisson, Omenihu, and Armstrong all have one more year remaining on their respective deals. Thinking longer-term is key, and Vincent Anthony Jr. has the size and length to possibly mold into something more over time.
Commanders draft Chip Trayanum
- Running Back | Toledo Rockets
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 223
The Commanders could take a running back much earlier than this. Speculation remains high about Washington potentially selecting Notre Dame standout Jeremiyah Love if he's available at No. 7 overall, but Adam Peters may also be looking for additional value.
He found precisely that last year by taking Jacory Croskey-Merritt with the No. 245 overall selection. Having similar success with a seventh-rounder in consecutive drafts would be pushing it, but Chip Trayanum could be a risk worth taking.
Trayanum has some intriguing physical attributes, and he's coming off a breakout campaign at Toledo, where he went over 1,000 rushing yards. He's a seven-year college player, but he also spent two seasons at Arizona State with Jayden Daniels.