The Washington Commanders are still trying to save their season, and a big-time win over the New York Giants on Thursday Night Football was a good place to start. Even so, this roster still has major flaws that won't go unnoticed by general manager Adam Peters.
Another massive offseason awaits next year. And if Peters wants to give the Commanders a chance to take the next step into legitimate contention, hitting on his draft picks is absolutely vital.
Peters' draft picks have been a mixed bag since he took charge of Washington's front office. He found a franchise quarterback with his first selection, but few others have exceeded expectations.
That has to change, regardless of what happens over Washington's final eight games.
Building through the draft is the more prosperous route to sustained growth. Considering quarterback Jayden Daniels becomes extension-eligible after the 2026 campaign, it'll be even more important for the Commanders.
Head coach Dan Quinn's job status beyond 2026 remains uncertain. Peters will probably get a reprieve either way, but he'll have much more pressure to make the moves needed to get things back on track.
And he must deliver on his unfinished business.
Using the Pro Football and Sports Network simulator, we predicted what that might look like in our latest seven-round mock draft.
Washington Commanders 7-round 2027 mock draft confronts Adam Peters’ unfinished business
Commanders draft Ashton Hampton
- Cornerback | Clemson Tigers
- Round No. 1 | Pick No. 12
There is a chance the Washington Commanders trade back for more assets here. Being No. 12 overall denies them a chance to land a projected blue-chip prospect, but it might be a spot teams target if a top quarterback slips out of the top 10.
The Commanders have a productive cornerback trio right now. And if Rasul Douglas continues to impress, he might get another one-year commitment when the time comes.
Trey Amos is back and playing well. Amik Robertson has been among the league's best free-agent signings, bringing coverage consistency and an elite mindset that everyone is feeding off. But if the Commanders could land another shutdown presence in the draft, their chances of long-term prosperity would be better.
Clemson may have underachieved again this season, but Ashton Hampton is among their real bright spots. He's got the size, length, and physicality typically associated with productive NFL cornerbacks, and despite his bulky 6-foot-2 frame, he is a fluid mover who mirrors receivers extremely well.
Hampton is a fast processor who can make a difference both in coverage and against the run. He needs to track the ball a little better downfield, but even though Washington was burned in the first round by Emmanuel Forbes Jr. in 2023, that shouldn't keep them from taking the plunge here.
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