Washington is in a unique position in the 2026 NFL draft as they sit at number seven with most of the top talent being at non-traditional positions. Running back, safety and inside linebacker boast three prospects which many grade as the top players in the draft regardless of position.
Adam Peters did a great gob filling many of the glaring team needs in free agency, leaving the Commanders in a situation where they may truly be able to take the best player available.
There are, however, three things
that come into play here. First is the juggling act of premium versus non-premium talent. The second is Washington has just two picks in the top 100. Adding another pick would be a huge benefit. The final, is the team lacks true blue-chip talent. When you pick inside the top 10, getting a potential future blue-chipper is key.
Below are four different scenarios that Peters could encounter when Washington is on the clock.
For these scenarios I used Pro Football Network’s Mock Draft simulator. I selected the consensus big board and only went up through round five.
Scenario 1: Stick-and-Pick BPA regardless of position
The draft order went:
- Raiders: Mendoza
- Jets: Bain
- Cardinals: Bailey
- Titans: Reese
- Giants: Styles
- Browns: Tate
In this scenario, the Jets throw a bit of a curveball here by selecting Reuben Bain number two overall. The rest of the top six played out as many have predicted.
Scenario 2: Stay at 7 – need trumps value
The draft order went:
- Raiders: Mendoza
- Jets: Bailey
- Cardinals: Reese
- Titans: Styles
- Giants: Tate
- Browns: Delane
Both Love and Downs were on the board at 7. There is a definite need at WR and CB but the top corner was taken by the Browns at 6. I took a risk here on a high ceiling prospect, who if healthy, could be the best wide receiver in this draft. Washington has lacked a compliment to Terry McLaurin and someone who can eventually step into the WR1 role.
Scenario 3: Stay at 7 – positional value over BPA
The draft order went:
- Raiders: Mendoza
- Jets: Reese
- Cardinals: Love
- Titans: Bailey
- Giants: Styles
- Browns: Mauigoa
Caleb Downs was the highest player on my board available when we were on the clock. Instead of taking my highest rated player and one I have as a top 3 overall talent in this draft regardless of position, I took a premium position player. I had a choice between Tate and Delane but chose the corner as I saw better depth at wide receiver in round three.
Scenario 4: Trade back
The draft order went:
- Raiders: Mendoza
- Jets: Love
- Cardinals: Bailey
- Titans: Bain
- Giants: Tate
- Browns: Delane
My top three guys were off the board at pick 7. I still had two of my “big 5” left in Caleb Downs and Sonny Styles. The Rams wanted Styles and offered pick 13 (which was about as far back as I felt comfortable moving) and pick 61. The Rich Hill trade chart had the trade pretty even.
Please discuss which scenario you like best in the comments.
