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.
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.
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.