We are just hours away from the Washington Commanders finally making their long-awaited choice at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. And for one respected national insider, there may be a narrow shortlist.
Nobody knows with any certainty how things will go. Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is a lock to be the first prospect taken, but it promises to get wild after that. The New York Jets will probably take either David Bailey or Arvell Reese, which will set the tone as things move on.
For the Commanders, it's a waiting game. General manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn will no doubt have preferred targets. There should also be several contingencies in place, and the front-office leader won't be turning down any viable trade offers to make a small move back.
If the Commanders stick and pick, which seems like the most viable outcome, ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler believes the choice could come down to two prospects.
Jeremy Fowler believes Commanders' pick could be between Sonny Styles and Carnell Tate
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles is one, touted as the perfect pick for Quinn. The other is wide receiver Carnell Tate, who would give quarterback Jayden Daniels another dependable weapon for the passing attack.
"Teams I've talked to believe [Sonny] Styles would be a dream Dan Quinn pick, but they also wonder whether the Commanders are leaning offense. Wide receiver Carnell Tate (Ohio State) is a popular name here, and Washington has spent a lot of time with him."
Obviously, it's a fluid situation. Projections and reality are two very different things when it comes to the draft. Peters will need to react quickly, but he's spoken highly of Styles throughout his assessments, and the time spent with Tate also indicates he could be in consideration when push comes to shove.
Of course, a situation could emerge where both Tate and Styles are off the board by the time Washington goes on the clock.
Robert Saleh could see Styles as his Fred Warner-type to spearhead the Tennessee Titans' defense. The Cleveland Browns or New York Giants could take Tate, so Peters must expect the unexpected to ensure he doesn't get left behind.
This is all about balance, too.
The Commanders strengthened their defense heavily throughout the offseason, which was an absolute necessity. Daniels' supporting cast wouldn't be classed as stellar, despite the presence of Terry McLaurin and the intriguing additions of running back Rachaad White and tight end Chig Okonkwo. Even that won't be enough, so there is plenty of justification if Washington settles on Tate.
It's a fascinating dynamic. And the decision is almost upon us.
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