There are several unknowns in the top 10 of the 2026 NFL Draft. For the Washington Commanders, it's an anxious waiting game to see who may be available when they go on the clock.
The Commanders will have a shortlist. Some are likelier than others, but one respected NFL Draft analyst outlined a potential scenario that could see head coach Dan Quinn come closer to landing the prospect of his dreams.
General manager Adam Peters didn't have much of an idea about what could unfold after Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza went No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders. The Commanders are doing their homework on all the top prospects, ensuring they will be prepared for every eventuality. But until the moment arrives, the options are clouded.
Commanders may still have a slight chance to draft Arvell Reese, but they need a lot of luck
Arvell Reese is the sort of prospect Quinn has had success with before. The Ohio State standout is a do-it-all weapon with the versatility needed to thrive in the right system. Whether it's as an off-ball linebacker or rushing off the edge, the possibilities are endless, and the ceiling is through the roof.
Most analysts don't believe Reese will get past the New York Jets at No. 2. However, Daniel Jeremiah of the NFL Network, citing conversations with some influential figures around the league, thought Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey is the most likely candidate to go after Mendoza at this time.
"As we're coming down the home stretch here, this feels more like [David] Bailey, bird in the hand pick, versus the upside pick with [Arvell] Reese. More polished. He just has a game plan as a rusher. He's been doing it forever, playing off the edge. He's very comfortable with it."
This isn't insignificant. If the Jets opt to bet on proven production over upside with Bailey, that cracks the window slightly open for the Commanders. Even so, there are still four more teams who'd have to turn down Reese for Quinn's dream to come true.
Not impossible, but it seems unlikely all the same.
The Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, and Cleveland Browns could all use a game-wrecking defensive force like Reese. They have other needs, of course, but passing up someone with such a high ceiling may be difficult. Washington will be waiting, and if the Buckeyes' star does end up falling into their laps, it probably won't be much longer before Peters turns in his card.
Quinn's previous experience in molding players like Reese, coupled with the creative scheme Daronte Jones plans to install, could make the first-round lock an NFL sensation in no time. But whether he'll be around or not remains debatable at best.
Time will tell, but Peters will be ready for anything.