With the big wave of free agency in the rearview mirror, attention has begun to turn to the 2026 NFL Draft, set for April 23-25. The Washington Commanders possess the No. 7 overall pick, and it's anybody's guess how they decide to use it.
After seeing how free agency has shaken out, the Commanders have one glaring need they haven't done much to address. That would be their wide receiver room.
Deebo Samuel Sr.'s contract has expired, and Washington has only added depth pieces in Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson Jr. The team does not currently have a true No. 2 to complement Terry McLaurin, and general manager Adam Peters must rectify this.
The Commanders have been heavily linked to Brandon Aiyuk, but no deal has been finalized yet. Even if he does come to town, Peters might need to look to the draft for answers. But he'll need to be careful.
Commanders should have better options than Makai Lemon available at No. 7
Zach Selby from the team's website highlighted USC wide receiver Makai Lemon as a potential candidate at No. 7, as part of an ongoing series leading into the draft. This would be an underwhelming pick, to say the least.
A lot of Commanders fans are likely wary of drafting a receiver in the first round at all, because the last two times they've done so, they've ended up with Josh Doctson and Jahan Dotson. Granted, those were different front offices, and neither of those picks was as high as No. 7. Still, almost nobody has Lemon projected to go that early.
Generally, the wideout has been projected as a mid-first-rounder, going between No. 13 and No. 20 among CBS Sports' six draft experts. If the Commanders are interested in a wide receiver, Ohio State's Carnell Tate has a chance to drop to them.
Even then, it's fair to question if taking a wideout is the move at all. Aiyuk is still on the table. If he doesn't work out, Jauan Jennings is still available. If worst comes to worst, bringing back Samuel on a one-year deal might not be the end of the world.
There are prospects in the draft who are much better bets at their positions than Lemon is at his. Safety Caleb Downs is a potential game-changer. If linebacker Sonny Styles drops to Washington, he's an easy pick. Even running back Jeremiyah Love is the type of dynamic weapon who could boost the Commanders' offense right away.
Peters will have his options when the Commanders make their pick. It would be a disappointment if he settles on Lemon.