Adam Peters needs to reverse his strategy this offseason. The general manager was right to rely on veterans who could help the Washington Commanders get over the hump. But now, with a 3-9 record and officially out of playoff contention, some significant adjustments are required.
The Commanders need to get younger. How Peters goes about that is anyone's guess, but with only six selections in the 2026 NFL Draft — two of which are in the opening four rounds — the challenge is there for all to see.
Washington has so few picks because of the trades for cornerback Marshon Lattimore and Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil. One of them hit the jackpot, while the other has fallen by the wayside. That's all part of the business, but it only raises the urgency for Washington to ace its 2026 draft class to speed up what now looks like a gradual route back into perennial contention.
There are several critical holes to fill. Some of those will be done via free agency. Still, with the Commanders now up to No. 6 overall, they could find a blue-chip difference-maker if no trade-down partners arrive.
Commanders select dynamic wide receiver Jordyn Tyson in 2026 NFL mock draft
Nicholas Rome from Saturday Blitz thought surrounding quarterback Jayden Daniels with more improved weapons is imperative. That led the analyst to project wide receiver Jordyn Tyson as a viable option in his latest 2026 mock draft.
"Dan Quinn went for the win in overtime, and Marcus Mariota's pass was batted down, extending the Commanders' dreadful losing streak. It's clear that this offseason has to be all about surrounding Jayden Daniels with the pieces he needs to succeed. Daniels needs weapons, and landing an elite wide receiver like Jordyn Tyson would give this team an incredible duo for Daniels to work with."Nicholas Rome
Tyson had some problems with injuries earlier in his career, but the Arizona State prospect is a legitimate asset at all three levels of the field. He brings something a little different, but whether the Commanders have the luxury to take a wideout with their first-round selection is another matter.
The Commanders are crying out for defensive help, especially on the edge, at linebacker, and across the secondary. As previously mentioned, free agency will solve some of that, and not every out-of-contract veteran will be let go. It's hard to predict anything for sure right now, and much will also depend on the status of players like Noah Brown, Deebo Samuel Sr., and Treylon Burks, whose contracts are up for renewal.
Nothing can or should be dismissed. But if the Commanders end up pairing Tyson with Terry McLaurin and also manage to sign Brandon Aiyuk on a team-friendly deal, there will be nobody happier than Daniels.
Whether this scenario becomes reality is another matter.