The Washington Commanders will make a concerted effort to prioritize their defensive options throughout general manager Adam Peters' third offseason at the helm. However, the franchise must also divert resources to improving the supporting cast around star quarterback Jayden Daniels.
It's a complex dynamic for Peters to navigate. Fans are expecting wholesale roster changes, and the Commanders could have around $100 million or more to spend when the legal tampering window opens. The front-office leader also has six selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, including the No. 7 overall pick.
Ideally, the free-agent window will provide the moves Peters needs to have some flexibility when the draft rolls around. He always wants to take the best prospect available, and drafting for need alone comes with obvious complications. But with only two picks in the first four rounds, hitting on the No. 7 selection is critical.
Field Yates makes his case for the Commanders drafting Carnell Tate at No. 7 overall
Field Yates of ESPN made a compelling case for the Commanders picking Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate. The analyst believes he's among the most pro-ready prospects in this class, which they desperately need alongside Terry McLaurin. Washington's injury issues and their lack of explosive plays make this a smarter choice than you think.
"They were playing guys off the practice squad this past season. Definitely got tested with their depth with injury, and obviously [Terry] McLaurin missed a bunch of time as well. I think Canell Tate is on the shortlist, if not the most pro-ready prospect in the class. This guy is just a professional route runner. Excellent body control. Great on some of those sideline routes and sideline catches. A vertical threat with over 17 yards per catch this past season. He is ready to rock."Field Yates
The Commanders need major pass rush help, but WR is also a pressing need.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) February 13, 2026
Carnell Tate averaged over 17 yards per catch last season, had zero drops, is a nuanced route runner and one of the most pro-ready prospects in the class.
On his fit at pick number 7 overall 👇 pic.twitter.com/5Bv0uyg61k
It's a strong argument. Whether it'll trump the need to draft a blue-chip defensive prospect will be almost entirely dependent on which targets are acquired in free agency. At the same time, Peters won't hesitate to go against the grain if he believes it's the right thing to do.
Nobody expected him to take offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. at No. 29 overall last year. The Commanders had already traded for Laremy Tunsil, but it was the correct call. After some early jitters, the Oregon product solidified his status as the starting right tackle, giving Washington a legitimate bookend edge protection tandem to build around long-term.
Taking a wide receiver — or any offensive player, for that matter — seems like a luxury Washington cannot afford right now. But if Peters can aggressively find defensive difference-makers in key positions of need during free agency, it becomes a lot more feasible.
And the Commanders could do far worse than examine Tate's credentials in greater detail.