The Washington Commanders were among the most active teams over the first wave of free agency. This didn't come as a great shock to fans, especially given the money available and the number of holes that general manager Adam Peters needed to fill.
Washington signed no fewer than 12 new players over the opening stages of the free-agent frenzy around the league. Left guard Chris Paul and backup quarterback Marcus Mariota were re-signed. Left tackle Laremy Tunsil got a bumper extension ahead of time, which is nothing more than he deserved after an exceptional first campaign with the club.
Jonathan Jones, Chris Rodriguez Jr., and Jacob Martin all left for different challenges, but it's hard to look at the Commanders' roster as it stands and not think the team is in much better shape.
It's a good start from Peters, but the hard work is just getting started.
The Commanders have more money to spend on more free agents, depending on what opportunities become available. The front-office leader also has six picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. And he has a lot more freedom to play the board as he sees fit after filling needs from the veteran pool.
Using the Pro Football and Sports Network simulator, we took a look at how the Commanders might approach their picks after Wave 1 of free agency in our new seven-round mock draft.
Commanders' 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft after the first wave of free agency
Commanders draft Mansoor Delane
- Cornerback | LSU Tigers
- Round No. 1 | Pick No. 11
Everything should be on the table for Adam Peters at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Washington Commanders could take the best available prospect as their needs diminish. The general manager may also look for a trade-down partner to further boost his assets in 2026 and potentially beyond.
In this scenario, a deal is struck with the Miami Dolphins, giving them a valuable second-round pick and additional assets for the 2027 NFL Draft, which is projected to be extremely strong. It's also not low enough to prevent Peters from drafting an immediate difference-maker, and cornerback Mansoor Delane is the choice.
Delane, who has an in-person visit scheduled with the Commanders, could be their pick at No. 7 even with a trade down. Washington added Amik Robertson in free agency, but they still lack another genuine shutdown boundary presence to go opposite Trey Amos. The LSU prospect has the tools. His exceptional work rate is sure to enamor head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Daronte Jones.