The Washington Commanders have given themselves some extra flexibility at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft with an aggressive approach over the first wave of free agency. General manager Adam Peters can go in any direction he wants, and there is a desire to take the best available prospect who can become part of the franchise's fabric for years to come.
Peters is currently running the rule over prospects before narrowing down his shortlist. Projections have changed dramatically in mock drafts after no fewer than 12 free-agent signings so far. There are still needs, but they are becoming less pressing.
Washington still has plenty of cash to spend should the team wish. But if they can hit on their first-round pick, and the free-agent signings all meet expectations, they are a strong candidate to bounce back next time around.
Commanders are eager to find out more about LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane
And the Commanders offered a subtle sign that one overlooked prospect is under serious consideration.
According to NFL Draft analyst Ryan Fowler, Washington has scheduled an in-person visit with LSU's Mansoor Delane. He's the consensus best cornerback in this class, and the Commanders don't have enough in their room to provide confidence right now.
Trey Amos and Mike Sainristil will be important pieces of defensive coordinator Daronte Jones' puzzle. Marshon Lattimore was inevitably released, and two-time Super Bowl winner Jonathan Jones signed for the Philadelphia Eagles. Amik Robertson joined the ranks in free agency, but he could be more of a rotational piece rather than an every-down starter.
The Commanders need to find a physical presence capable of thriving in press-man coverage. Delane ticks those boxes, and he's also a fluid mover who mirrors receivers exceptionally well. His take-no-prisoners approach is hard not to love, which is matched by exceptional footwork and sound tackling technique thrown in for good measure.
It's not hard to see why Delane would be high on the Commanders' shortlist of possibilities. There is also a good chance he will still be around when Washington goes on the clock at No. 7. That isn't the case where Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, David Bailey, and Jeremiyah Love are concerned.
Delane looks like a good fit. The Commanders might go in a different direction, but it never hurts to cover your bases. If the defensive back impresses enough during his visit to Washington, he might just be the guy when it's all said and done.
And if this scenario did become a reality, no Commanders fan would be complaining too much.