Adam Peters wasn't going to chase anything during the draft. The Washington Commanders general manager does not select for need. He takes the best prospects available and worries about the rest later. That didn't change throughout the 2026 process.
This strategy meant the Commanders didn't get their hands on another cornerback with any of their six selections. Peters didn't believe the value was there after they went with linebacker Sonny Styles at No. 7. And that was the right call to make after an aggressive offseason.
Other options higher on their board were preferred. They also avoided the temptation to take a top 10 talent whose slide down the order was nothing short of alarming.
And one NFL Draft insider explained why.
Jermod McCoy's knee issues were too much for Commanders and others to overlook
Charlie Campbell, citing team sources, highlighted Jermod McCoy's knee injury as a reason why he fell to the No. 101 overall selection before the Las Vegas Raiders eventually ended his misery. The rumors about another surgery and his future availability gave the Commanders and others reasons to pause, which was also a major talking point throughout the pre-draft assessment phase.
"Team sources say a complicated medical situation caused [Jermod] McCoy to slide. Some teams feel he needs another corrective surgery on the knee. That surgery could cause him to miss next season. Some felt he should go ahead and do it to be ready for the 2027 season.
"If he tries playing in 2026 and then has to have the surgery late, that could jeopardize his 2027 season. The uncertainty about McCoy’s availability and whether his knee issues will linger for years to come caused him to slide."
These concerns were too big a risk in the first round, where McCoy was a lock to go if fully healthy. Not even a positive showing at his individual workout was enough to turn the tide, but the fact that he didn't even go on Day 2 was a bizarre twist that will give the Tennessee product some added motivation to silence his doubters.
The Commanders weren't blessed with assets in the first four rounds. They had the No. 7 pick, which they used on Styles. When they bypassed McCoy in favor of wide receiver Antonio Williams at No. 71, they had almost no shot of the defensive back being available in the fifth.
Las Vegas thought the No. 101 pick was a suitable spot. If it doesn't work out, so what? Very few fourth-rounders become stars, and it wouldn't cost much one way or another to let McCoy's situation play out.
But if the red flags subside, and McCoy goes on to have a prolific career, the Commanders and others around the NFL will be kicking themselves.
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