Terry McLaurin is just like the rest of us when it comes to the 2026 NFL Draft. The Washington Commanders hold a premium pick at No. 7 overall, and nobody has the first clue about which direction general manager Adam Peters is going to go.
Everyone has an opinion. Everyone has a projection or a theory. There are around six prospects legitimately in the frame, but don't be surprised if there are a few surprises along the way, either.
One thing that cannot be disputed is the need for Washington to hit on this pick. McLaurin knows it, and he believes the Commanders are in a position to select the best prospect available.
Terry McLaurin's draft stance is precisely what Commanders fans have been shouting
McLaurin acknowledged the Commanders were in a unique spot. He credited the team's movement in free agency as a big reason for some added flexibility, and the wideout also subtly highlighted some possible options who have been hot names throughout the pre-draft cycle.
"I think we are in a very unique situation. I think we can go best player available. I think we've done a really good job in free agency so far. When you get that top 10 pick, I think another receiver, Jeremiyah Love, there's some great Buckeye defensive players as well. So, I think we'll probably go best player available."
Going with the best prospect available is always desirable. Not many had Josh Conerly Jr. on the Commanders' first-round radar last year after the trade for Laremy Tunsil. When he fell to No. 29, Peters didn't hesitate.
It wasn't perceived as a big need, but he did it anyway. And now, Washington has a bookend tackle tandem for quarterback Jayden Daniels to depend upon.
McLaurin is probably eager for more help in the wideout room. Brandon Aiyuk's possible arrival at some stage would help if there are no further injuries, but even that won't be enough. The former Ohio State star is still performing at a high level despite last season being loaded with setbacks, but he isn't getting any younger. Someone like Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson, or maybe even Makai Lemon would help enormously.
This year's draft is especially unpredictable. Some around the league expect a lot of trades; others don't. Some are expecting slides for prospects that may not arrive. For Peters, it's a case of taking stock of where things stand and what's needed to improve Washington's chances of bouncing back.
While McLaurin may know a little more than the average fan, nobody could say with any great certainty what will go down when the big night arrives. But that's what makes it so exciting.
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