General manager Adam Peters isn't expecting his phone to be ringing off the hook with offers to move back from No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, that doesn't mean the Washington Commanders will dismiss that possibility entirely.
Despite that, one NFL Draft insider believes the Commanders are firmly intent on trading down. And if Peters gets a suitable offer to bolster his assets, there is one prospect generating significant buzz at the best possible time.
It's a very unpredictable draft. Only one quarterback has first-round credentials, making it difficult to find a trade partner. Peters will be reacting to what's going on in front of him. There is almost no chance he moves up, so it's a waiting game until a decision is due.
Commanders reportedly looking to trade back with Mansoor Delane in their sights
Charlie Campbell, citing conversations with sources around the league, got the impression that Washington was desperate to recoup extra picks by trading down. He also highlighted LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane as a high-end target for the Commanders if they willingly drop down the draft order.
"Speaking with some league sources today, Washington badly wants to trade down from the 7th overall pick. The Commanders are without a second-round pick. If they can trade down, a top target for Washington is LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane."
The Commanders have taken a keen interest in Delane throughout their pre-draft assessments, and it's not hard to see why. He was the definition of a shutdown corner with the Tigers last season, and his athletic intangibles should make a smooth transition to the pros. This also fits a need for Washington after Marshon Lattimore, Jonathan Jones, and Noah Igbinoghene all departed this offseason.
If this is the plan, and nobody really knows for sure, the Commanders wouldn't want to move back too far. Delane could be a top 10 pick. He may even be in legitimate contention for Washington at No. 7, in all honesty. There are no guarantees in this draft, so it's a case of weighing the risk against the reward from Peters' perspective.
Much will also depend on who is still available. The conversation instantly shifts if linebacker Sonny Styles or running back Jeremiyah Love make it all the way to No. 7. That's highly debatable, but there should be a chance to get someone who could immediately help as Washington looks to bounce back next season.
More picks would be nice, but finding a blue-chip prospect is more important. Delane would be nice, but the Commanders could easily focus on finding an offensive weapon for quarterback Jayden Daniels. There are just so many unknowns, which makes it fascinating and exciting in equal measure.
And the clock is ticking.
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