The Washington Commanders will have to wait patiently before going on the clock at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. General manager Adam Peters doesn't have the assets to move up for a prospect of interest, so standing pat and reacting positively to what's in front of him is crucial.
There should be some interesting candidates available. Peters will have a shortlist of options, ready to strike with conviction. The Commanders may also be a prime trade-down candidate if a reasonable offer arrives, given they only have two picks in the first four rounds after their trade for Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil last year. But with only one quarterback expected to go in the top 10, that makes it more difficult to move back.
Washington is a fascinating team to watch. And an intriguing development elsewhere could potentially have a ripple effect all the way to Peters when the pivotal selection event commences.
Browns U-turn could have an impact on Commanders' draft plans at No. 7
The Cleveland Browns, who hold the pick above Washington at No. 6, made a quiet decision that could have a significant impact on which prospects will be available for the Commanders. After initially opting to sign edge rusher A.J. Epenesa in free agency, the AFC North club has now pulled the plug, citing a reported lack of satisfaction with the player's medical evaluations.
That matters. The Browns were not expected to be in the edge-rusher market with the No. 6 pick. Mock drafts have them taking anything from an offensive tackle to Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles or even wide receiver Carnell Tate. Now, all bets are off, which doesn't make the Commanders' projections any easier.
This could also work in Washington's favor. One couldn't dismiss the possibility that Texas Tech standout David Bailey or Miami's Rueben Bain Jr. is higher on Cleveland's board now. That would improve the Commanders' chances of selecting Tate, arguably the best receiver in this class, to put opposite Terry McLaurin.
Nothing is guaranteed, of course. The Browns could have another free-agent edge defender in mind before the draft rolls around. They have $21.39 million in available cap space, so this couldn't be dismissed entirely. But with speculation growing around Garrett's future once again, adding a long-term option via the college ranks could be their eventual direction.
Placing either Bain or Bailey opposite Garrett brings a mouthwatering promise. It would be surprising if the Commanders were targeting an edge after signing Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson, and Charles Omenihu in free agency. If the Browns go with a pass-rusher, this enhances their hopes of strengthening other position groups at a critical stage of Peters' roster regeneration.
Time will tell, but Peters will be ready for absolutely anything.