Commanders draft Skyler Bell
- Wide Receiver | UConn Huskies
- Round No. 2 | Pick No. 62
The Washington Commanders rightfully prioritized the defense in free agency. However, general manager Adam Peters needs more weapons for quarterback Jayden Daniels, especially at the wide receiver position.
Peters tried to land Alec Pierce and Romeo Doubs but failed. He did sign Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson Jr., but they are depth pieces, providing extra competition more than anything else. Speculation remains about Brandon Aiyuk potentially coming into the fold, but adding via the draft should also be high on his list of priorities.
Skyler Bell is an older rookie, being 24 in July, but that's not exactly out of the ordinary these days. He's also a complete three-level threat with a fully developed route tree and proven ability to generate yards after the catch.
The UConn Huskies standout is an immediate starter with a smooth transition. Bell also has the inside-outside versatility that should fit well with David Blough's schematic concepts.
Commanders draft Parker Brailsford
- Center | Alabama Crimson Tide
- Round No. 3 | Pick No. 71
The Commanders have four of their five starting offensive linemen returning to the fold in 2026. Chris Paul tested the market, but he decided another year in Washington was the best place to potentially secure a much bigger payday this time next year. That is a massive boost, but there are concerns about the center position.
Tyler Biadasz was surprisingly released. He found work quickly, signing a lucrative contract with the Los Angeles Chargers. That made the move even more puzzling, and Adam Peters has done nothing to rectify the issue.
Nick Allegretti was extended early, but that's about it. With options dwindling on the market, bringing in a long-term option via the draft might be an option. Parker Brailsford might be a little undersized, but he is a natural center who's done almost everything in the college game. He also thrives in zone-blocking schemes, which is reportedly the direction offensive coordinator David Blough is going.
Commanders draft Bud Clark
- Safety | TCU Horned Frogs
- Round No. 3 | Pick No. 93
While nobody would be complaining too much if the Commanders drafted Ohio State safety Caleb Downs at No. 7 overall, there are other options a little further down the list who could fit well into Daronte Jones' new system. Even though the Commanders signed Nick Cross in free agency, don't be surprised if more competition arrives in the safety room.
Jeremy Reaves got another one-year deal in advance. Quan Martin, Will Harris, Percy Butler, and Tyler Owens all have questions about their respective futures. Jones may have praised them all during his introductory presser, but that means absolutely nothing in the grand scheme of things.
If Cross provides the physicality in the box, Bud Clark would be an upgrade on the coverage side. He's instinctive and a fluid mover with the long, lean frame to make plays in the passing game. While his athleticism isn't off the charts, he's got the skill set to become an immediate impact player.