Commanders draft Adam Randall
- Running Back | Clemson Tigers
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 187
The Washington Commanders lost Chris Rodriguez Jr., who didn't receive an exclusive-rights tender from the team and then quickly signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Two new faces have joined the backfield, but just how much they can move the needle is another matter.
Rachaad White reunited with former college teammate Jayden Daniels. He's got dual-threat capabilities, but shouldn't be tasked with gaining hard yards in between the tackles. Jerome Ford became an afterthought with the Cleveland Browns, but he's got some solid previous production to call upon.
They join Jacory Croskey-Merritt, but the Commanders should cover their bases with another option. Speculation remains high about Jeremiyah Love at No. 7, but there is also a likelihood he won't be around. In that scenario, a chance is taken on Adam Randall.
The Clemson prospect transitioned to running back in 2025 and shone. Randall is an aggressive runner whose experience as a wide receiver became an asset out of the backfield. He's incredibly raw, but the upside is undoubtedly there with a bit of refinement.
Commanders draft Mason Reiger
- Edge Rusher | Wisconsin Badgers
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 200
Adam Peters gave the edge-rushing unit priority above all else over the first wave of free agency. Things look a lot more promising now, with the Commanders boasting four veteran options who are more than capable of generating consistent pressure.
Odafe Oweh was the big splash, signing a four-year, $100 million deal with $68 million guaranteed. K'Lavon Chaisson got rewarded for his 2025 breakout with the New England Patriots. Charles Omenihu has the length and aggression Daronte Jones is looking for. Dorance Armstrong Jr. is also expected to make a successful return from injury.
That looks like a potentially prolific quartet if everything comes together. Peters may still want another body to bolster the rotation, which is where Mason Reiger comes in.
Reiger is a high-effort prospect with extensive starting experience in college at Louisville and Wisconsin. If he can improve his counter moves and add to his pass-rushing arsenal, it's a risk well worth taking.
Commanders draft Jalen Catalon
- Safety | Missouri Tigers
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 223
The Commanders could still use more at the safety position. Adam Peters signed Nick Cross in free agency, who is a hard-hitting individual who looks tailor-made for the system Daronte Jones is expected to run. But considering the questions around others on the back end, the general manager might not be done.
Washington's first wave of free agency could mean they are honing in on Ohio State prospect Caleb Downs at No. 7 overall. There is no telling for sure right now. But if the Commanders are looking for some extra value, taking a flier on Jalen Catalon with their final pick wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.
Catalon might not be the biggest defensive back, but he's versatile and athletic. That makes him an intriguing developmental project and a possible immediate special-teams asset.