Adam Peters wasted no time in proclaiming that adding more explosive pass-rushers will be among his top offseason priorities. Washington Commanders fans were thrilled to hear that, and the statement immediately sparked speculation about how the general manager will go about it.
The Commanders have cash to spend in free agency. Aside from Dorance Armstrong Jr., Javontae Jean-Baptiste, and maybe Jacob Martin, it's hard to see anyone else coming back. Several fresh faces are required, which means free agency and the draft will come into the equation.
Washington only has six picks, two of which are in the first four rounds. That makes it more difficult. It also means Peters cannot get his choice at No. 7 overall wrong.
Commanders select Rueben Bain Jr. in FanSided's latest 2026 mock draft
There should be some intriguing defensive prospects available. Only one quarterback is expected to go before Washington goes on the clock, so it's a waiting game until further notice. Cody Williams of FanSided had the Commanders picking Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. in his latest mock draft, which the analyst believes would have Dan Quinn doing cartwheels in Washington's draft war room.
"We might get to witness Dan Quinn doing cartwheels in the Commanders' draft room if Washington were to be lucky enough to have Rueben Bain Jr. fall into their laps here. While Reese, with his versatility, gets shine for what he can do as a pass-rusher, Bain is a more of a pure artist in that capacity off the edge. Against all levels of competition, he's been a menace. And while there are some concerns about his arm length, he has the burst and get-off, combined with savvy in terms of his moves to generate pressure, that can give the Washington defense a massive injection of juice."Cody Williams, FanSided
Bain's credentials need no introduction. He may not have the size associated with some of the league's elite pass rushers, but Quinn knows how to maximize players with these physical attributes.
His speed, versatility, and violent hands have made Bain an exceptionally difficult matchup for any offensive tackle around the college ranks. What the Commanders need to figure out is whether this can make a smooth transition to the professional ranks.
Other prospects will be considered. David Bailey is another athletic edge force who could make a significant difference. Someone with safety Caleb Downs' diverse skill set would completely transform Washington's defensive fortunes. They could even go with an offensive prospect, depending on what reinforcements are acquired in free agency.
There are many unknowns right now. But if the decision was Bain, he'd land in the best possible place to take off under someone with Quinn's vast experience.