The Washington Commanders have a waiting game ahead of them before going on the clock at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. General manager Adam Peters needs to react quickly to what's going on in front of him, especially considering he doesn't have a second-round pick this year.
Assets are scarce right now. However, this didn't prevent one respected NFL analyst from speculating an aggressive move up the order to secure a preferred target.
Trading up in the top 10 is costly. It's not impossible, but it often involves future assets. Considering how deep the 2027 class is expected to be, Peters would need to be completely convinced this is the spark that could ignite Washington's chances of an immediate turnaround.
ESPN analyst touts blockbuster Commanders draft trade for Jeremiyah Love
Bill Barnwell of ESPN thought the Commanders should consider trading up for Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. In his latest mock draft, Peters strikes a deal with the Arizona Cardinals for the No. 3 pick, which costs them the No. 7 selection and a 2027 second-rounder. Although risky, the analyst believes this is the best move to help quarterback Jayden Daniels right now.
"The Commanders have generally avoided investing heavily at RB, but Love could be the sort of player who persuades them to go in a different direction.
"Moving up would cost Washington a second-round pick in what should be a much deeper draft in 2027, but it would land the team the best possible guy for [Jayden] Daniels right now. Arizona, meanwhile, would land potential ammunition for its push toward a quarterback in 2027 and fall into position to take a right tackle."
This would be a bombshell of epic proportions. Taking running backs in the top five is rare. Trading up for the privilege is unheard of. Love is an exceptional talent worthy of consideration if he makes it to Washington at No. 7. Surging up the order to guarantee his services is drastic.
It's not the greatest draft for elite talent. Love is arguably the best overall prospect in this class. He's a legitimate dual-threat weapon who is much more than a running back. Pairing him with Daniels would be a tempting proposition, but giving up next year's second-rounder might be a step too far.
Daniels and Love would be a devastating tandem capable of causing defensive coordinators around the league nightmares. He's expected to transition smoothly at a time when Washington needs a quick bounce-back. If Peters believes it's the right thing to do, he won't hesitate. But it's not in keeping with his approach this offseason.
Still, it's fun to think about. It would also send shockwaves through the Commanders' fan base and around the entire league.