After a campaign that promised much and delivered very little, the Washington Commanders hold the No. 7 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. And with no second-round pick this year after the trade for left tackle Laremy Tunsil, general manager Adam Peters must use it wisely.
The Commanders could go in any number of directions. Several highly touted prospects are in contention for the spot, though much will depend on what goes on in front of them. Peters will keep the phones open for any potential trade offer that comes along, but with one quarterback touted as a first-round pick, that makes it more difficult.
Peters stated that he's likely to stick and pick, unless there is a significant offer to move back. And if the front-office leader can emulate the success of the last time Washington had the No. 7 selection, the better their chances will be.
Commanders will hope their next No. 7 draft pick turns out like Champ Bailey
It's been a long time since the Commanders were picking No. 7. They were known by a different name then, and there was just as much pressure to bounce back after an underwhelming campaign.
There were several intriguing options to consider. Washington eventually went with do-it-all cornerback Champ Bailey, a former high school track star who took college football by storm with the Georgia Bulldogs.
That was a smart move. Bailey hit the ground running, finishing second in the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. He quickly established himself among the league's most prolific shutdown corners, earning four Pro Bowl distinctions and two second-team All-Pro honors during his time in Washington.
Bailey's contract status was uncertain by 2003. Washington placed the franchise tag on him, but then owner Dan Snyder quickly (and surprisingly) gave him a window to seek a trade. He found one quickly, with the Denver Broncos sending running back Clinton Portis to D.C. in exchange for the corner and a second-round pick.
It was a win-win trade for both. Bailey spent the remainder of his career in Denver, lasting another decade before eventually calling it a day. Portis became one of the most prolific rushers in the league, amassing 6,824 rushing yards and 46 touchdowns during seven seasons in Washington.
With three All-Pro selections, 13 trips to the Pro Bowl, and being named to the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 2000s, Bailey is one of two first-rounders from the 1999 draft class in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. If the Commanders can get anything like that from their upcoming pick at No. 7, nobody will be complaining too much.
Let's hope Peters can work his magic.
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