With the 2026 NFL Draft finally upon us, the Washington Commanders' fan base is itching to find out just which players will be on the board with that no. 7 overall selection. It's a pick that could be franchise-defining, too, with Washington not owning another pick until No. 71 in the third round.
It's monumental. It's a pick that needs to equate to wins, and right now, for a team that's so short on draft capital and trying to build around franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels.
One of this fan base's favorite prospects is, of course, former Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. Viewed as a generational talent by many, Love coming to Washington is a popular draft marriage. But, there is some fear that he won't even be on the board by then. So, who's a likely backup plan?
There are many Commanders fans who have Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate as that pivotal no. 2 option behind Love, but now, even Tate might not be there.
The Commanders' dream of landing Carnell Tate as a Jeremiyah Love fallback plan could also soon be dead
On a recent radio show courtesy of ESPN Cleveland, noted Browns radio host Tony Rizzo discussed whom he has heard head coach Todd Monken wants with the no. 6 pick -- coming right before Washington is on the clock.
"Apparently, coach [Monken] wants Carnell Tate ... who does Monken want? Monken wants the receiver who catches everything, gets open and runs great routes," Rizzo said.
Well, then. If that is truly the case, then the Commanders might have to settle for yet another next-best option at seven overall.
Fortunately, this draft class has a trio of wide receivers who could be an exceptional get for the Commanders at that spot, if it's truly where the franchise wants to go with the pick.
Jordyn Tyson and Makai Lemon may still be on the board and, if they are, the Commanders could have their pick of the two of them. Of course, they are very different players.
Lemon gives the Commanders that slot mercinary while Tyson is the outside guy who compliments Terry McLaurin on the opposite side. Either one is well-worth a top pick in this draft, but are they worth taking that high?
If both Love and Tate are off the board, that could very well mean the Commanders are also looking at one of Caleb Downs or Sonny Styles being available. That also might change things.
At that point, either the Commanders snatch Styles without hesitation or maybe they try and trade back just a bit in order to recoup some draft capital.
Needless to say, the draft can't kick off soon enough. Fans everywhere are ready for the chaos to unfold and to know, once and for all, what happens at no. 7.
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