Washington Commanders fans were pretty happy with how general manager Adam Peters approached free agency. He didn't hit every target, but his aggression and quick thinking put the roster in a much stronger position.
The Commanders have signed 12 new players so far. Several established figures, including starting left guard Chris Paul, were re-signed. Washington still has holes, but there's plenty of money to spend if Peters sees another opportunity or two.
Peters needed to do something drastic, and he acted with supreme conviction to give Washington's locker room a shake-up. There was an emphasis on young, athletic free agents with speed and hunger. This should also provide an extra sense of flexibility when the 2026 NFL Draft arrives.
Even though the Commanders only have six picks — two of which are in the first four rounds — nothing is off the table now. Peters will play the board accordingly, especially with the No. 7 selection. And if someone comes in with a trade offer, moving down the order for more assets couldn't be dismissed entirely.
Using the Pro Football and Sports Network simulator, we took a look at how the Commanders may approach things in our latest seven-round mock draft, which includes no fewer than three trades.
Commanders hit the jackpot in trade-filled 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft
Commanders draft Mansoor Delane
- Cornerback | LSU Tigers
- Round No. 1 Pick No. 13
The Los Angeles Rams are going all-in for a Super Bowl, which is being held on their home turf next year. In this scenario, they move up to No. 7 for Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, giving the Washington Commanders some much-needed draft assets to utilize.
It's a win-win for the Commanders, especially if cornerback Mansoor Delane is still around at this stage of the draft.
Washington is still looking for another cornerback with long-term promise. Mike Sainristil and Trey Amos were both second-round picks, and free-agent signing Amik Robertson adds experience to a room that let several veterans take their chances elsewhere. That won't be enough.
Delane could be the missing piece of the puzzle. He's the consensus best cornerback in this class. The drop-off after that is pretty steep, according to most analysts. The Commanders are also showing interest, confirming an in-person visit with the LSU prospect to learn more about what he could bring to the table.
Whether Delane will make it this far down the pecking order is anyone's guess. But in this mock scenario, it represents a dream opportunity for Adam Peters that he shouldn't waste.
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.
Commanders draft Kyle Louis
- Linebacker | Pittsburgh Panthers
- Round No. 4 | Pick No. 120
The Washington Commanders secured the services of Leo Chenal in free agency, who looks more than ready for a step-up in responsibilities. Daronte Jones plans to move Frankie Luvu back to his off-ball role, and Jordan Magee still has some promise entering a crucial Year 3 of his professional career.
But with Bobby Wagner's time with the club seemingly over, the Commanders could use another linebacker. Kyle Louis offers something a little different from what the Commanders already have. Specifically, an outstanding ability to be impactful in coverage.
Louis isn't the biggest, and his tackling technique needs to improve. But if Jones utilizes him correctly in nickel and dime packages during his early transition, that would help enormously.
Commanders draft Romello Height
- Edge Rusher | Texas Tech Red Raiders
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 160
Adam Peters rightfully prioritized the edge rushing position over the early stages of free agency. Odafe Oweh was the big-money move, with K'Lavon Chaisson and Charles Omenihu also coming into the fold to go alongside Dorance Armstrong Jr.
This gives the Commanders four capable edge forces for Daronte Jones to depend upon. Another one wouldn't hurt from the college ranks, so betting on Romello Height's ceiling being reached wouldn't be the worst idea in the world at this stage of the draft.
Height needs to add more play strength to his game. But his speed and bend make him a pass-rushing specialist in specific situations.
Commanders draft Dontay Corleone
- Defensive Line | Cincinnati Bearcats
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 187
The Commanders strengthened their defensive line interior with the signing of Tim Settle Jr., who returns to the team that drafted him after a successful season with the Houston Texans in 2025. But with Daronte Jones expected to move into a 3-4 core base, another space-eater might be a risk worth taking.
Dontay Corleone has the size to be a prototypical nose tackle in the pros. He's an immovable object against the run, able to absorb double teams effectively while also boasting the natural power to push the pile. At worst, he'd be a solid backup initially with the chance to become a starter with some extra technical refinement.
Commanders draft Diego Pounds
- Offensive Tackle | Ole Miss Rebels
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 209
Laremy Tunsil's market-setting contract extension gives the Commanders a bookend tackle tandem to depend upon. Josh Conerly Jr.'s encouraging growth over the second half of his rookie campaign indicates that more could be on the way, but no team should ever settle for the offensive line.
Andrew Wylie and Trent Scott were re-signed to boost depth. All hope is not lost with Brandon Coleman just yet, but another developmental tackle later in the draft seems feasible.
Diego Pounds has the size, length, and physicality that potentially become something more. With some footwork improvements and technical growth, there is potential attached. And being from the same alma mater as Tunsil gives him the perfect mentor.