Commanders draft Ja'Kobi Lane
- Wide Receiver | USC Trojans
- Round No. 2 | Pick No. 50
The Washington Commanders have some massive decisions to make at the wide receiver position this offseason. There is talent in the room, but Terry McLaurin, Luke McCaffrey, and fourth-round rookie Jaylin Lane are the only ones expected to be back in 2026.
There is a chance that Deebo Samuel Sr. and Treylon Burks get extended, but there is just no telling for sure right now. Speculation continues to grow about Brandon Aiyuk reuniting with Jayden Daniels if he's released by the San Francisco 49ers. Regardless, finding another productive weapon from the college ranks couldn't be dismissed entirely, either.
Although Makai Lemon is gaining more hype, Ja'Kobi Lane is another USC wideout who should hear his name called pretty early in the 2026 NFL Draft. He's a matchup nightmare at 6-foot-4 with a large wingspan and fluid route running. His physical presence also makes him a supreme red zone threat, which is precisely what the Commanders need.
Commanders draft Deontae Lawson
- Linebacker | Alabama Crimson Tide
- Round No. 3 | Pick No. 73
It wouldn't be a surprise to see veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner retire or take his chances elsewhere this offseason. He's been a fantastic asset to the Commanders, but age is finally starting to catch up with the future first ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer.
Couple this with Frankie Luvu heading into the final year of his deal next season, and the Commanders need help at the defensive second level. Jordan Magee has flashed enough promise to ensure he has a role to play in 2026, but that does not detract from the significant need to find another difference-maker in this critical area of the field.
Deontae Lawson is a punishing enforcer who quickly became the driving force of Alabama's defense once he got into a starting role. It's been another outstanding campaign for the prospect, who is a sideline-to-sideline force against the run with the explosiveness needed to generate pressure when given the chance.
This represents a ton of value in the third round.
Commanders draft Jalon Kilgore
- Safety | South Carolina Gamecocks
- Round No. 4 | Pick No. 118
Some fans want the Commanders to go with a safety with their first-round pick. Caleb Downs is well worth considering, but if general manager Adam Peters can find a trade-down partner, as is the case in this scenario, he'd be foolish not to consider the possibility.
The Commanders need more on the backend of their defense. Quan Martin's breakout hasn't panned out, but Will Harris is stable enough. The rest — Jeremy Reaves, Tyler Owens, and Percy Butler — look like special-teams performers. An injection of energy is needed, and Jalen Kilgore represents an intriguing option at this stage of the draft.
Kilgore has the size and athleticism typically associated with defensive backs in Dan Quinn's system. He's got elite on-field vision. He is knowledgeable and instinctive. He's also versatile enough to play safety or in the big nickel role, so the benefits of bringing him to Washington are obvious.