After left guard Chris Paul signed a one-year deal, the Washington Commanders will have four of their starting five offensive linemen back in 2026. Aside from the shocking release of center Tyler Biadasz, everything looks pretty stable where the protection in front of quarterback Jayden Daniels is concerned.
However, no team should ever settle in the trenches. General manager Adam Peters knows that better than anybody, so he'll need to find a long-term option at center while also bolstering the team's depth in the near future.
And a recent report could mean the Commanders are targeting offensive line reinforcements a little later in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Commanders will be working out Maryland offensive lineman Alan Herron before the draft
According to Mike Jones of The Athletic, the Commanders are bringing in Maryland standout Alan Herron for a workout this week. This does not count towards the 30 pre-draft visits allocated, given he's from a local program.
Herron is projected to be a sixth or seventh-round pick by most analysts. He may even become a high-priority undrafted free agent, depending on how things shake out. Unlike the lack of assets at the top end, the Commanders have three picks in the final two rounds.
This brings some intrigue. Herron generated some much-needed starting experience over the last two seasons with the Terrapins. That came at right tackle, but his lack of legitimate length could result in a switch to the interior once he gets to the pros.
While Herron might not ever be a world-beater, the Commanders saw enough in the prospect to warrant a closer examination. He caught the eye at the Senior Bowl, particularly how explosive he was out of his stance. There were notable strides made in pass protection last season, and his active hands respond well to everything going on in front of him.
Herron is vulnerable against quicker edge rushers, which only lends further weight to moving him inside. The run blocking should be better for someone as strong, so that will need some significant refinement when he achieves his NFL dream somewhere.
The prospect has already visited the New Orleans Saints, so the Commanders aren't alone in wanting to investigate further. Herron is a high-character, durable prospect. If Washington can address other issues first, taking a flier on the lineman late on Day 3 is entirely plausible in the circumstances.
Thanks to the newfound stability on Washington's offensive line, there wouldn't be any immediate pressure on Herron to contribute, either. That makes the Commanders a perfect place to learn and grow.
Whether he can impress enough to make this dream a reality is another matter.