The importance of this offseason for general manager Adam Peters cannot be overstated. It's been a campaign to forget for the Washington Commanders, and the moves made during next spring will go a long way toward determining the franchise's long-term path.
And after Peters went with aging veterans to potentially go one better and reach the Super Bowl, which didn't pan out, building through the draft is imperative.
This is the most traditional method of sustained growth around the league. Unfortunately, the Commanders are relatively devoid of draft capital after trading for left tackle Laremy Tunsil and cornerback Marshon Lattimore. Peters has six selections at his disposal, but only two of those are in the opening four rounds. That's a problem.
It looks like the Commanders will have a top-10 selection unless there is a drastic turnaround in their final three games. This gives Peters more options, but much will depend on how things play out and whether any suitable interest in a trade-down opportunity arises.
There is a long way to go before anything is determined. But using the Pro Football Network simulator, we took a look at how the Commanders could approach things in our latest seven-round 2026 mock draft.
Commanders' 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft begins with asset-gaining trade down
Commanders draft David Bailey
- Edge Rusher | Texas Tech Red Raiders
- Round No. 1 | Pick No. 17
The Washington Commanders have to get more picks. It's the NFL's oldest roster right now, and they're playing like it. This bears greater significance on the defensive side of the football, which won't go unnoticed by general manager Adam Peters before a tenure-defining third recruitment period at the helm.
In this scenario, the Commanders find a willing trade partner in the Buffalo Bills, who went up for USC wide receiver Makai Lemon. This gained some valuable assets in 2026 and beyond. That's only going to help Peters' efforts to build a sustainable contender.
The topic then goes to what the Commanders could do in the first round. There are several needs to fill. However, none are more critical than finding younger, dynamic players who can pressure opposing quarterbacks.
That's where David Bailey comes in. Although most draft experts project the Texas Tech prospect to be taken much higher than this right now, he'd be well worth considering even if the Commanders hold firm in the top 10.
His dynamism, ferocity, and elite-level burst make him a difficult proposition to overcome. Bailey is a little undersized, but head coach Dan Quinn has had tons of success with players who boast these physical attributes, so this looks like a tremendous fit.
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.
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.