Nobody has the first clue how the Washington Commanders will approach the No. 7 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. But make no mistake; general manager Adam Peters cannot afford to fluff his lines.
Peters admitted that this year's draft carries more uncertainty than most, especially at the top end. The front-office leader doesn't believe much of what anyone says right now. Smoke and mirrors season is in full swing, but there isn't long to wait before decisions are due.
The Commanders will take nothing off the table. Peters plans to stick and pick, but he's not averse to moving back either. It would likely need to be a fantastic offer, and the demand may not be there. But that's what makes it all the more exciting.
Commanders' smoke builds around three exciting draft prospects at No. 7
Smoke is rising around three prospects. All three could be gone by the time Washington goes on the clock, but they will likely be considered if available. On this topic, we developed a special smoke meter to rank just where linebacker Sonny Styles, running back Jeremiyah Love, and safety Caleb Downs stand heading into the big night.
Here's the meter:
- Spark
- Flicker
- Small flame
- Steady burn
- Heating up
- Gaining heat
- Hot
- Very hot
- Blazing
- Full blaze
Here are the prospects:
Sonny Styles
- Smoke meter: 8
Peters made no secret of his admiration for Styles during his pre-draft media availability. The Commanders could be looking for a new on-field general with Bobby Wagner out of contract and unlikely to return. The Buckeyes' prospect is fast, athletic, and a legitimate three-level force capable of making things happen, fitting the mold perfectly.
The ceiling is through the roof for Styles. Peters noted that everyone spoke highly of his leadership and locker-room influence during discussions with teammates and coaches. It looks like a solid culture shift, so he is firmly in play if he's still around.
Jeremiyah Love
- Smoke meter: 9
ESPN insider Adam Schefter is among those who believe Washington is the perfect fit for Love. Putting such a gifted backfield force alongside quarterback Jayden Daniels would cause nightmares for any defense. However, it'll be an anxious wait to see if another team doesn't take the plunge first.
Love is much more than a running back. He's a home-run hitter with alignment versatility and a massive asset in the passing game. It's hard not to be enamored, and with Washington's offensive line looking secure, drafting an elite difference-maker should be strongly considered if Peters gets the chance.
Caleb Downs
- Smoke meter: 4
There is no doubting Caleb Downs' talent. He's arguably the best overall prospect in this class. He's got Pro Bowl-caliber upside. What this comes down to is positional importance, which will ultimately determine how high he is taken.
Downs would be a superb fit for Daronte Jones' schematic concepts. Even so, Vegas has him way down the list of possibilities, and there are growing murmurs that the Commanders may not consider the safety if other legitimate options are available.
Watch this space, I guess...
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