Commanders just watched dream prospect slip out of their grasp in real time

The Washington Commanders had a strong contingent of their most influential decision-makers in attendance at Ohio State's pro day. This was not surprising, given how many prospects could be in contention for general manager Adam Peters' pick at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.

However, Peters and others saw any slim hope they had of landing arguably their dream prospect unravel right before their eyes.

Washington managed to win two of its final four games of 2025. This was important to head coach Dan Quinn, but it cost the Commanders a top-five selection. Though nothing is guaranteed, it's starting to look like these victories have taken hybrid defensive weapon Arvell Reese off their shortlist.

Commanders can officially cross Arvell Reese off their board after Ohio State's pro day

Not many analysts have Reese dropping out of the top four now. He's a rare athlete capable of playing off-ball linebacker with the size to get involved on the defensive edge. A stunning showcase of athletic prowess at the NFL Scouting Combine wowed everyone. He cemented these credentials during an impressive series of pro day drills.

Reese should not move like that for a man his size. He's a physical force with arguably the highest ceiling of any prospect in this class. The Buckeyes' enforcer is focused on football, on being great, and cementing his status among the league's best quickly. That matters.

The Commanders should still have a good prospect available when they go on the clock. Unfortunately, that won't be Reese. And deep down, Peters probably knows it.

It would take an extremely bold decision from the New York Jets to pass on Reese at No. 2 overall. If they do, for some unbeknownst reason, he won't get past the Arizona Cardinals or the Tennessee Titans. And there would still be the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns to go before Washington is up.

This dream is over. The Commanders should turn to other targets. They spent time closely examining the likes of Caleb Downs, Carnell Tate, and Sonny Styles during their time in Columbus. They are also reportedly high on interior defensive lineman Kayden McDonald, but taking him would require a trade back.

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is also going to be under strong consideration if he makes it to No. 7. Peters gave himself some extra freedom to be flexible after an aggressive free agency, but there is next to no chance of Reese being in the mix.

If the Commanders hadn't won those two games against the Giants and Philadelphia Eagles, things might be different. Unfortunately, that's not the case.