Breaking down the Washington Commanders draft picks, team needs and 2026 first-round mock draft projections, including Caleb Downs.
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After reaching the NFC Championship Game two years ago, the 2025 season was a major step back for the Washington Commanders. The team won just five games and was without second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels for extended stretches due to injury.
This offseason, GM Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn have prioritized improving protection for Daniels while also addressing an underwhelming and aging defense. Washington was especially active on that side of the ball in free agency, bringing in nine new players.
With much of the defensive overhaul already underway, the Commanders could realistically shift their focus to the offensive side of the ball in the early rounds of this year’s draft.
Let’s take a look at the full list of 2026 Washington Commanders draft picks, team needs and first-round NFL mock drafts.
Washington Commanders NFL Draft Picks 2026
| Round | Overall | From |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7 | |
| 3 | 71 | |
| 5 | 147 | |
| 6 | 187 | |
| 6 | 209 | via SF |
| 7 | 223 |
Washington Commanders NFL Draft Needs
Wide Receiver
With Deebo Samuel remaining a free agent entering the 2026 NFL Draft, wide receiver stands out as a glaring need for the Commanders. Terry McLaurin will look to get back on track after a disastrous 2025, but the team’s options are thin behind him. What’s more, Jaylin Lane is the only other wideout besides McLaurin who is under contract beyond the upcoming season. As such, Washington would be well-served to add a young talent at the position early in the draft.
Offensive Line
The current projected starting five along the Commanders’ offensive line remains similar to the unit of a year ago. Trading for Laremy Tunsil to anchor the left tackle spot was a solid move, but the performance of the rest of the line left a bit to be desired. The hope is that the team’s first-round pick from a year ago, Josh Conerly, will improve in his sophomore campaign at right tackle. Thus, upgrading the interior of the line would appear to be the most likely maneuver.
Linebacker
The Commanders acquired Leo Chenal in free agency to join the returning Frankie Luvu and Jordan Magee. Meanwhile, Bobby Wagner remains on the open market. Washington could perhaps bring him back but would benefit from drafting a young piece at the position regardless.
Other Commanders Draft Needs
- Cornerback
- EDGE
- Safety
With these needs in mind, let’s take a look at how analysts are projecting the Commanders to approach the first round.
Commanders Mock Drafts | First-Round Picks
Here are four Washington Commanders mock drafts for the first round from ESPN, CBS, NFL Network and FlurrySports. Who do draft pundits think the Commanders will select with the seventh overall pick?
No. 7 | Commanders NFL Draft Pick
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State | ESPN
Although the Commanders have enough at safety following the offseason addition of Nick Cross, drafting Caleb Downs would give them one of the best pairings in the league. His intelligence, versatility and tackling technique will help him contribute in multiple ways all over the field.
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State | NFL Network & FlurrySports
Given where the Commanders sit on the draft board at No. 7 overall, Sonny Styles would no doubt be the best player available if he should fall to them. His size is massive, and he excels as a run stopper. This would be a great way for Washington to improve what was one of the NFL’s worst run defenses a season ago.
Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami | CBS
We didn’t highlight the EDGE position in this article because it really isn’t as great a need for the Commanders as many are making it out to be. Washington already added Odafe Oweh, K’Lavon Chaisson and Charles Omenihu to bolster its pass rush in free agency. As such, drafting Rueben Bain Jr. here would result in an abundance of riches at the position.
