Commanders draft Keionte Scott
- Cornerback | Miami Hurricanes
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 147
It wouldn't be surprising to see the Washington Commanders take a cornerback much higher than this. But if they can find a starting-caliber veteran in free agency, attention will then go to bolstering depth.
Trey Amos and Mike Sainristil will be back. Marshon Lattimore probably won't, saving the Commanders $18.5 million on their 2026 salary cap. Even if a marquee veteran is required to replace the four-time Pro Bowler, more is needed.
Keionte Scott is a smooth mover who mirrors receivers well downfield. He's come of age with the Miami Hurricanes this season, boasting the aggressiveness and relentless effort that Quinn values highly in his players.
Commanders draft Cameron Ball
- Defensive Line | Arkansas Razorbacks
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 187
There could be a need to fortify the defensive front this offseason. Daron Payne is a trade or release candidate. Eddie Goldman should come back, but there are concerns about whether Johnny Newton can become the long-term starter Washington envisaged when they took him No. 36 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
It's never a bad idea to enhance depth in the trenches on both sides of the football. And make no mistake; the Commanders could do far worse than look in Cameron Ball's direction at this stage of the selection process.
Ball had a down year by his typically high standards. However, the size, strength, and physical upside suggest there is something to work with.
Commanders draft Roman Hemby
- Running Back | Indiana Hoosiers
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 205
The Commanders could use another running back to add to their options. Chris Rodriguez Jr. is doing enough for another one-year commitment, but it remains to be seen whether Washington will bring back Jeremy McNichols for another go-around.
Either way, finding another diamond in the rough later in the draft is something for general manager Adam Peters to consider. Roman Hemby fits the bill here, with his exceptional vision and elusiveness emerging as a driving force in Indiana's run to the No. 1 seed in college football.
Hemby's had a lot of carries in college. He's been productive for four straight seasons, so he can expect to hear his name called on Day 3.
Commanders draft Greg Johnson
- Offensive Line | Minnesota Golden Gophers
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 222
If the Commanders extend left guard Chris Paul this offseason, all five starting offensive linemen will return for 2026. This continuity in the trenches is rare and positive in equal measure. Even so, this should not prevent Adam Peters from adding to the depth options with another development prospect later in the draft once other needs are filled.
Greg Johnson isn't a household name. The Minnesota prospect doesn't stand out, but he does everything well. That represents a solid foundation from which to build, and the fact that there would be no pressure on the player to accumulate reps in Washington immediately is another factor that would work in his favor.
If Peters managed to walk away from the draft with this haul, fans should be overjoyed.