What the Washington Commanders do with the No. 7 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft bears watching. However, the club’s decision might not be entirely up to them, if Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach’s recent comments are any indication.
Veach didn’t mince words during his annual pre-draft press conference. He believes “there’ll probably be a lot of trades” in the first round (h/t ESPN's Nate Taylor). What exactly that means for the Commanders remains to be seen, but it may very well factor into their plans.
Washington can take the best player available and let the madness ensue around them. They could also move down and acquire even more Day 2 capital if an opportunity presents itself. The Commanders aren’t on the clock again until early in the third round, so adding to their collection of assets makes sense.
Commanders fans must be ready after Chiefs GM Brett Veach sets stage for 2026 NFL Draft chaos
The tea leaves suggest Washington is eyeing Notre Dame star running back Jeremiyah Love. Standout Ohio State defenders Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs have also been popular names mentioned as potential targets. But they’re three of the most highly touted prospects of this year’s class; what if teams jump ahead of the Commanders for them?
Would Washington stick and pick, like lead decision-maker Adam Peters suggested they intend to, if Love, Styles and Downs are all off the board? Or does Veach’s insight change the approach? At the very least, the Commanders can explore their options.
There’s not “this huge gap” between many of the incoming top rookies, according to Veach. And by the sound of it, a lack of consensus blue-chip talent at premium positions, like edge rusher and quarterback, figures to make things interesting. With that in mind, the Washington faithful must be prepared for anything.
Either way, expect the unexpected. One way or another, Veach “think[s] that the fans will be in for a treat” on April 23. Whether the Commanders can capitalize on the chaos, avoid the mayhem or are hindered by it will be fascinating to see.
With multiple roster holes still to fill, the Commanders can go a variety of ways. It doesn't really matter which side of the ball they focus on. Whatever they do, though, the goal should be to bring in playmakers who will make life easier for star signal-caller Jayden Daniels.
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