Commanders draft Sam Hecht
- Center | Kansas State Wildcats
- Round No. 2 | Pick No. 43
The Washington Commanders have some much-needed stability along the offensive line. Laremy Tunsil's outstanding first season with the club came with a lucrative contract extension that keeps him under contract for the next three seasons. Adam Peters also re-signed Chris Paul to a one-year deal, after he wasn't entirely convinced by the opportunities available elsewhere.
With Sam Cosmi and Josh Conerly Jr. cemented on the right-hand side, that leaves only the center position as the true unknown. The Commanders took the surprising decision to release Tyler Biadasz, who almost immediately signed for the Los Angeles Chargers. Nick Allegretti will get a shot after signing a contract extension. But that cannot be Washington's option.
With a second-round pick in this scenario, the Commanders can address this key issue early in the draft. If Sam Hecht manages to improve his play strength, he's got the scope to be a Day 1 starter.
Commanders draft Ted Hurst
- Wide Receiver | Georgia State Panthers
- Round No. 3 | Pick No. 71
The Commanders acquired Van Jefferson Jr. and Dyami Brown in free agency. They add decent depth to the wide receiver room, but nobody could say with any confidence either will be able to make a lasting contribution in 2026.
Of course, there is the lingering cloud of Brandon Aiyuk hanging over the franchise. He's widely touted to join the Commanders once his departure from the San Francisco 49ers is finally confirmed. They don't seem in any great rush for that, so it's a waiting game. But in all honesty, even that might not be enough.
Adam Peters tried and failed to land either Alec Pierce or Romeo Doubs. That indicates the Commanders are looking for someone to stretch the field with a physical presence. Ted Hurst provides precisely that. His long wingspan and gliding route-running might be something for the Commanders to consider in the third round.
Commanders draft Landon Robinson
- Defensive Line | Navy Midshipmen
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 147
Washington made the popular decision to bring back Tim Settle in free agency. He was drafted by the club, spending four years in D.C. before taking his chances elsewhere. Now, he's made a triumphant return, which is only going to strengthen the defensive trenches.
Javon Kinlaw and Daron Payne should both play important roles. Daronte Jones is expected to implement a 3-4 base front, so having this size on the interior will only serve Washington well. Johnny Newton looks more like a pass-rush specialist two years into his professional career, but the cupboard is relatively bare aside from that.
It might be worth adding another intriguing prospect for the defensive line at some stage during the draft. If the Commanders wait until a little later in the process, Landon Robinson brings more intrigue than most. He was dominant for the Navy last season. Although he isn't the biggest, his size, explosiveness, and ability to create leverage give him a high ceiling.