Commanders draft Ted Hurst
- Wide Receiver | Georgia State Panthers
- Round No. 3 | Pick No. 71
The Washington Commanders are desperately short of dependable options at the wide receiver position. Some experts believe they are one Terry McLaurin injury away from having the league's worst unit by a considerable margin. And in all honesty, it's not hard to see why.
McLaurin is an outstanding player, but he's coming off an injury-hit campaign and isn't getting any younger. Luke McCaffrey, Jaylin Lane, and maybe even the returning Dyami Brown could break out within David Blough's schematic concepts, but there is just no telling for sure.
The Brandon Aiyuk rumors are still swirling, of course. He's still under contract with the San Francisco 49ers, but it's pretty common knowledge that he wants to reunite with Jayden Daniels. Even if he does, depending on someone who missed the entire 2025 campaign with a serious knee injury is foolish.
Another receiver is required via the draft. That should come with one of their first two picks. If Ted Hurst is still available here, it might be a difficult proposition to turn down.
Hurst is long, fast, and exceptional in contested catch situations. He's not the best threat after the catch, but he's a smooth route-runner at 6-foot-3 with a wide wingspan, making him a dependable weapon. That's something the Commanders don't have right now.
Commanders draft Devon Marshall
- Cornerback | North Carolina State Wolfpack
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 147
Adam Peters made a concerted effort to improve the defense in free agency. It was a tremendous start, with aggressive moves to solve critical needs. But the hard work is just getting started.
One of the biggest concerns heading into the draft is the cornerback position. Big changes came within this unit as expected, with Marshon Lattimore, Jonathan Jones, and Noah Igbinoghene all departing the franchise. Even though Amik Robertson and Ahkello Witherspoon are solid pros, depending on them to log starting-caliber reps and perform well is risky.
There is a chance the Commanders take a cornerback much higher than this. If Peters trades back from No. 7, someone like LSU prospect Mansoor Delane or Tennessee's Jermod McCoy enters the equation. If they wait a little longer, someone like Devon Marshall also makes a ton of sense.
Marshall was among the most productive corners in college football last season. The North Carolina State star is highly competitive, athletic, and knows precisely how to make plays on the football. His redirection technique is first class, matched by enough speed to cover the entire field with minimal fuss.
If Marshall can clean up his ball tracking and discipline, this has the makings of a potential mid-round steal early on Day 3.
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