It’s officially draft month! The NFL Scouting Combine and Pro Days are over and we’re now counting down to the draft in Pittsburgh that kicks off on the 23rd. We still have Top 30 visits and local prospect visits as teams finalize their big boards. Free agency was a big boost for the Washington Commanders, and the focus on improving the defense has led to some new favorites in this week’s roundup.
This roundup has 66 mock drafts and 38 of them feature players on defense. Two of the most popular players this
week are Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and Miami EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. Downs has consistently been a top pick for the Commanders, and that hasn’t changed as some players rose following the Combine. Rueben Bain is the top pass rusher, with Arvell Reese finally falling off the list as he seems locked into the Top 3. Bain is a divisive pick with people concerned with his short arms and potential scheme fit in Washington. David Bailey is less likely to be available at No. 7 overall, but continues to slip to the Commanders every week.
LSU CB Mansoor Delane and Ohio State safety Sonny Styles round out the choices on defense for the Commanders. Delane has risen in the draft process and is considered the top option, but Jermod McCoy is right there with him and either player could be a target in a trade back. Styles might have had the biggest Combine bounce this year, but he is a solid prospect that will be a leader in the defense of the team that drafts him. Washington didn’t re-sign Bobby Wagner, and Styles could step right into that top spot.
Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love is going to make it very interesting if he’s available when the Commanders are on the clock. Washington’s top brass has tried to let everyone know that they’re very ok with drafting a talented running back that high, but they would also like to acquire more picks in a draft where they are missing 2nd- and 4th-round picks. Love would be dynamic next to Jayden Daniels, and could be the pick, but he could also tempt another team to make a move.
Ohio State WR Carnell Tate is the most popular WR pick and it’s not close. Jordyn Tyson has serious injury concerns, and Makai Lemon is a dynamic slot receiver that would be a better option after a trade back. Tate is the consensus top receiving option in this year’s draft, but is he a WR1 and is he worth the No. 7 overall pick? The Commanders don’t pick again until the 3rd round(No. 7), and will need a Day 1 starter with their first pick. Tate would be a big help for David Blough’s new offense, and would be a solid complement to Terry McLaurin.
Wide receiver continues to gain momentum for Washington’s first pick. They weren’t able to sign two of the top options(Pierce, Doubs), but added more depth at the position in free agency(Brown, Jefferson). Terry McLaurin is coming back to a wide receiver room that dealt with injuries up and down the depth chart. Securing a WR2, who can slide into the WR1 role, would be a big boost for the team and Jayden Daniels. Carnell Tate continues to be the overwhelming favorite, but Jordyn Tyson joins Makai Lemon as another 1st-round option.
There are three trade scenarios to look at this week, and luckily only one of them has a trade up to get mad at. The Commanders want Miami EDGE Rueben Bain so badly that they have to trade up to No 4 overall(Titans). The only good thing is the mocker doesn’t include the compensation to move up three spots. The trade down scenarios are much better for Washington, and have them adding either Caleb Downs or Makai Lemon and a few draft picks.
RB – 15
WR – 9
OT – 1
S – 12
CB – 6
LB – 4
EDGE – 16
Trade down – 2
Trade up – 1
Where will Washington pick, and who/what position should they take next year?
Mock Draft Sim powered by FanSpeak
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
NFL.com (Band)
Adam Peters’ aggressive defensive spending spree in free agency gives Washington the freedom to resist drafting strictly for need here. Even with the WR2 position opposite Terry McLaurin still looming as a logical target, Love fits exactly what Peters said he wants more of this offseason: “young, really fast, exciting, explosive talent.” This multi-talented back adds another dimension for Jayden Daniels and the offense.
CBS Sports (Podell)
Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels missed 10 games in 2025 after suffering three different injuries: a knee sprain, a hamstring strain and a dislocated elbow. The Commanders need a run game that isn’t so reliant on Daniels’ legs; he ran for an NFL rookie quarterback record 891 yards in 2024. As Washington aims to rebound in 2026, selecting the top running back prospect in Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love could help extend Daniels’ NFL longevity.
Pro Football Network (Moran)
The Washington Commanders take one of the top overall prospects who also happens to address a need. Jeremiyah Love, out of Notre Dame, is an ultra-talented running back. He has home-run hitting ability anytime he gets the football.
Not only can Love run the ball, but he can also help in the passing game with his receiving and blocking ability. Love would give Jayden Daniels the presence in the backfield he needs.
Round 3: Elijah Sarratt, Indiana, WR
Sporting News (Iyer)
The Commanders need a true workhorse power back, given their constant shuffle the past few seasons. Adding only complementary receiving back Rachaad White in free agency suggests they are leaving the door wide open to draft Love to be the dynamic, explosive, and versatile lead back to better support Jayden Daniels.
Round 3: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
The Commanders need to get more dynamic in the slot to help Terry McLaurin and Branch offer more as a big playmaker with some outside upside.
Round 5: Tacario Davis, CB, Washington
Round 6: Mason Reiger, EDGE, Wisconsin
Round 6: Nick Barrett, DT, South Carolina
Round 7: Robert Spears-Jennings, S, Oklahoma
Sharp Football Analysis (Donahue)
This is most likely the floor for Love, as he is considered by many as the highest graded player in the draft. Washington has added to the running back room this offseason, but still could use an explosive three-down back to help give them a more balanced attack, which head coach Dan Quinn said was his vision for the offense this offseason.
Fantasy Pros (Fitzmaurice)
The Commanders don’t need to take Jeremiyah Love after signing Rachaad White and Jerome Ford (and re-signing Jeremy McNichols), but their current running back group lacks sizzle.
Pair Love with young quarterback Jayden Daniels, and suddenly the Washington offense is keeping defensive coordinators awake at night.
NFL Mocks (Basile-vaughan)
Jeremiyah Love to the Washington Commanders seem like the ultimate match. As the top running back in the draft and perhaps the best offensive playmaker, Love will not only take pressure off Jayden Daniels but give him another offensive target with his pass catching ability that wasn’t utilized enough while he was at Notre Dame.
Football Guys (Kluge)
The Commanders’ free-agent moves suggest they think teams ahead of them may be in the mix for Jeremiyah Love. They re-signed Jeremy McNichols and brought in Rachaad White and Jerome Ford. They’re all on cheap one-year deals, but they intentionally added a lot of depth behind Jacory Croskey-Merritt. If Love makes it to the Commanders, though, it’s hard to imagine them passing on him. A backfield with Jayden Daniels and Love would open up opportunities for new offensive coordinator David Blough to keep defenses guessing with option-based concepts. Like Downs at five, there will be talk about positional value, taking a running back early. However, Love is a prospect comparable to Ashton Jeanty, Bijan Robinson, and Jahmyr Gibbs, all running backs who went in the top half of Round 1 in recent years.
DAZN (Abbey)
Other mock drafts have the Commanders taking Caleb Downs here. In my opinion, and despite the hints Quinn dropped at the Annual League Meeting, the addition of Nick Cross in free agency makes safety less of a priority.
Some have the Commanders shoring up their linebacker group. Clearly, I’m a bigger believer in the combination of Frankie Luvu and Leo Chenal than most.
Tate would fill a huge need, and I had him here previously. But after pegging the Titans to go with Bailey over Love at No. 4, I’m sending Love to the Commanders.
FF Today (Bales)
The Kansas City Chiefs and New Orleans Saints signing running backs to big contracts in free agency suggests that Love isn’t going to make it to them. A few teams are in the mix, but he lands with Washington. They signed two mediocre options at running back (Rachaad White, Jerome Ford), and it’s a position they can still upgrade. He’ll immediately create a dynamic duo with Jayden Daniels. This would create significant mismatches for their opponents, and Love has the talent to be a running back drafted in the top 10.
The U.S. Sun (Sanudo)
Love can just do it all. He can catch and run. Washington loves him at No. 7 to pair him with Jayden Daniels. I know they need a wide receiver, but Love is too good to pass up.
Panthers Wire (Rizzuti)
Love could very well go as high as fifth overall to the Giants. But, to quarterback Jayden Daniels’ delight, the do-it-all back drops elsewhere in the NFC East.
Seahawks Draft Blog (Staton)
Love could go earlier but this is the range where the quality backs tend to go these days (see: Christian McCaffrey, Bijan Robinson). Make no mistake, he’s one of the very best players at his position to enter the league in recent history. He’s an outstanding talent and would provide instant excitement and sparkle to the Commanders’ offense.
FF Today (Bales)
The Kansas City Chiefs and New Orleans Saints signing running backs to big contracts in free agency suggests that Love isn’t going to make it to them. A few teams are in the mix, but he lands with Washington. They signed two mediocre options at running back (Rachaad White, Jerome Ford), and it’s a position they can still upgrade. He’ll immediately create a dynamic duo with Jayden Daniels. This would create significant mismatches for their opponents, and Love has the talent to be a running back drafted in the top 10.
Mock Draft Database
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
NFL.com (Edholm)
Had one of the top two pass rushers still been on the board, I’d have had a tough call here. As it was, Tate made the most sense as a complement to Terry McLaurin at No. 7. Jayden Daniels could use more reliable targets, and the smooth-moving Tate would give the Commanders a very solid No. 2 option in time.
Round 3: Keith Abney, CB, Arizona State
Abney intrigues me; getting him this late would be a strong value. He’s a highly competitive customer who belies his average size with strong tackling and feistiness at the catch point. Washington needs more quality corners by the handful.
FOX Sports (Arthur)
The Commanders must be thinking about a long-term WR1 for third-year QB Jayden Daniels, with veteran receiver Terry McLaurin entering his age-31 season and missing seven games in 2025. Tate is the best wide receiver in this year’s draft class.
Draft Network (Sanchez)
This past season highlighted just how many holes this Washington Commanders team has, both offensively and defensively. And while the Commanders could opt to improve this defense, they go for the WR position and draft another Buckeye WR to pair with Terry McLaurin. Carnell Tate is the perfect option to be a complementary piece for McLaurin.
NFL Spin Zone (Bedinger)
The Washington Commanders desperately need help for Terry McLaurin at the wide receiver position. That position group was a major problem area for this team last year, and they’re not going to risk having the same type of struggles in back-to-back seasons. Jayden Daniels needs weapons. As tempting as Jeremiyah Love might be in this pick slot, the Commanders go with a pass-catcher.
Clutch Points (Crean)
After filling a lot of their major defensive holes in NFL free agency, the Commanders can now turn their attention to helping out Jayden Daniels. While they would love it if Love were still here at seven, they’ll settle for the next best thing, which is the top WR in this class. In Carnell Tate, they get another Ohio State wideout to pair with Terry McLaurin and, hopefully, help take some of the pressure off of Daniels after his injury-plagued sophomore season.
Cincy Jungle (Garrison)
Jayden Daniels needs a strong No. 2 option opposite Scary Terry, and Tate, a fellow former Buckeye, would fit nicely. He’d give Daniels a strong WR duo, and take some pressure off McLaurin and eventually take over as No. 1.
Jordyn Tyson, WR, ASU
Draft Wire (Popejoy)
Our prediction for Jordyn Tyson is that he blows teams away at his private pro day and shows his hamstring injury is behind him. This is enough for him to return to his spot as a Top 10 pick, where the Commanders scoop him up to line up with Terry McLaurin.
Walter Football (Campbell)
Washington needs some young receiving weapons for Jayden Daniels.
Tyson had 61 catches for 711 yards and eight touchdowns while missing some time with injuries. On top of being a good wideout, Tyson has blocked well. Tyson was a dangerous weapon for the Sun Devils in 2024 as he hauled in 75 catches for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns. Tyson is quick with easy acceleration. The 6-foot-1, 195-pounder has adequate size and showed big-play ability in 2022, averaging 21.4 yards per reception (22-470-4). Team sources have durability concerns with Tyson, as he missed time with injuries in each season in college.
Round 3: Romello Height, DE, Texas Tech
Washington could use more long-term edge rush talents.
In 2025, Height was a dangerous edge rusher and combined with David Bailey and Lee Hunter to help produce a lethal defensive line for the Red Raiders. Height totaled 10 sacks with 38 tackles, two forced fumbles, and a pass batted. Height (6-4, 250) showed some speed off the edge with functional strength to get off blocks. He was impressive against Oregon in the college football playoff game as well.Round 5: Michael Taaffe, S, Texas
Washington adds some safety depth and competition.
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Pro Football Network (Cummings)
The Commanders gave themselves some modest flexibility at the seventh overall pick with their signings in free agency. Safety and EDGE are still on the table, but the barren wide receiver room looms large with quarterback Jayden Daniels needing a bounce-back season.
While Makai Lemon doesn’t have the size or vertical speed that some of Daniels’ past WRs have boasted, Lemon does have the elite leverage play and catch-point conversion to make Daniels’ job easy, while also boasting rare short-area energy, RAC, and separation freedom.
Round 3: Parker Brailsford, C, Alabama
At 6-foot-2, 290 pounds, Parker Brailsford is a bit undersized, but he compensates with excellent natural leverage, explosive range, core strength, and finishing physicality.
Round 5: VJ Payne, S, Kansas State
Round 6: Al’zillion Hamilton, CB, Fresno State
Round 6: Caden Barnett, G, Wyoming
Round 7: Jaden Dugger, LB, Louisiana
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
The Athletic (Tafur)
Mauigoa is a plug-in mauler at right tackle who lives to bury linebackers.
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
ESPN
The instincts and versatility of Downs would immediately help a Washington defense that gave up an average of 8.1 yards per pass attempt last season (third worst in the NFL). He is a consistent tackler with great ball skills.
Round 3: Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
Hurst matches perfectly with the consistent deep throwing of quarterback Jayden Daniels and could boost a Washington passing game that lacked explosive plays in 2025.
NFL.com (Brooks)
The signing of Nick Cross won’t prevent the Commanders from adding a versatile, high-IQ safety to the rotation to produce more splash plays from the secondary.
USA Today (Tice/McDonald)
Positional value is the only reason that Downs is on the board here. He’s arguably the best player in the draft and has been an elite defensive back prospect since his first season at Alabama. He’s the “can’t-miss” caliber player the Commanders could use in their secondary and has the skills to play deep safety and the slot in Dan Quinn’s defense, which desperately needs to bounce back in 2026.
CBS Sports (Fornelli)
The Commanders have plenty of needs on their defense, and maybe they address the pass rush here, but you can’t understate how valuable a player like Downs would be for a defense. He’s a Field General. He improves everything.
Sports Illustrated (Flick)
Washington invested heavily in all three levels of its defense in free agency, perhaps enough to give itself flexibility entering the draft. But the Commanders still need help on the back end, and Downs fits nicely alongside new pickup Nick Cross. The 6′ 0″, 205-pound Downs wears a lot of hats, from single-high to the line of scrimmage. He’s physical, instinctive and has tremendous range to make plays all over the field.
NFL Spin Zone (Scataglia)
You really have to tip your cap to Commanders’ General Manager Adam Peters for the work he’s done in revamping this roster. The team has made a slew of defensive additions in free agency, and it’s clear that Peters saw the urgency of this situation.
Caleb Downs is a do-it-all defensive back, so people should look past the ‘S’ that will appear next to his name. He’s going to be an immediate impact starter and is going to shore up that secondary for Dan Quinn, in what could be a make-or-break year.
A to Z Sports (Roberts)
Even if Downs doesn’t end up being an impact player from depth, his instincts, open field tackling, and feel for the game make him an easy fit for any defense. Downs’ floor is just so high.
Bleacher Report
The Washington Commanders made significant changes on the defensive side of the ball after dropping to dead last in the league.
Odafe Oweh and K’Lavon Chaisson should prove a significant pass-rush boost. The Commanders also signed linebacker Leo Chenal and safety Nick Cross as free agents to help the second and third levels. Another safety to play over the top of the defense is still needed, and Washington couldn’t find a better option than Ohio State’s Caleb Downs.
“This defense needs difference-makers,” B/R scout Daniel Harms said. “Downs gives them just what they are looking for. Cross is a good player but pairing him with Downs solidifies the secondary and gives Washington someone who could be a green-do player as an on-field play-caller. His instincts, physical style and playmaking ability translate to all three levels of the defense and create an instant impact.”
Fantasy Pros (Jones)
Assuming everything checks out medically, this feels like a solid landing spot for Caleb Downs. I wouldn’t say he’s a lock to go in the top 10, but his tape certainly warrants it.
Washington did bring in Nick Cross, but I don’t know if his modest two-year deal (with very little guaranteed in the second year) would dissuade them from a safety.
Draft Countdown (Bosarge)
Round 3: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame
Round 5: Bryce Boettcher, LB, Oregon
Round 6: Trey Smack, K, Florida
Round 6: Eric O’Neill, EDGE, Rutgers
Round 7: Drew Stephens, K, Iowa
Bears Wire (Parise)
The Washington Commanders need some help on defense. Adding to the secondary with Caleb Downs could make a major difference. He may be the best player at his position in the draft, but being a safety tanks his stock a bit. At No. 7, however, he’s a great steal for Washington.
Lineups (Janvrin)
Here at No. 7, the Commanders are also a team I’d consider as a trade-up candidate to No. 3 overall, but instead of Bailey, it would be Love.
Well, that didn’t happen in this scenario, and at No. 7, Downs would be a safe pick, but it would make a lot of sense.
The Commanders could really use a player like Downs; someone who is willing to get up near the line of scrimmage and cause havoc in the pass and run game, but also someone who can play the ball well.
If someone were to say Downs is the best overall prospect in the draft, no accounting for position, I wouldn’t think that’s the most insane take I’ve heard.
He’s a tone-setter and someone the Commanders’ defense could greatly benefit from.
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
ESPN (Miller)
After a disappointing 5-12 season, the Commanders need to restock at core positions. With Marshon Lattimore and Jonathan Jones departing this offseason, cornerback is high on that list. Washington brought in Amik Robertson to help on the inside, but it needs an elite shutdown corner. Delane did that better than anyone in the nation last season, allowing only 10 completions for 119 yards while showing a penchant for timely tackles and big plays. Despite being targeted only 36 times, Delane picked off two passes to show off his playmaking skills.
Round 3: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
Without a second-round pick, the Commanders would wait until Round 3 to get a potential steal at wide receiver. Fields didn’t have elite college production, but the 6-foot-4, 218-pounder can win 50-50 balls and has the size to beat up defenders opposite the speedy Terry McLaurin.
Round 5: Taylen Green, QB, Arkansas
Round 6: Marlin Klein, TE, Michigan
Round 6: Jalen Huskey, S, Maryland
Round 7: CJ Donaldson, RB, Ohio State
NFL.com (Zierlein)
The Commanders need a plug-and-play starting cornerback in the worst way, and that is exactly what the speedy, smothering Delane offers on the outside.
Sportsnaut (Buller-Russ)
The Commanders could go in a number of directions here. Yet, finding a new CB1 at No. 7 provides excellent value. Plus, Delane is a freakish prospect who clocked a 4.38-second 40-yard dash. He not only has the coverage skills to stick with top receivers, his presence will be felt on run defense too.
NFL Trade Rumors (Bouda)
The defense has to improve in Washington this year and it’s clear that the front office agrees. They spent a good amount of money to try to fix their pass rush in free agency and have added to linebacker and cornerback. Delane is considered to be the top corner in this year’s class and offers good size and versatility. Lance Zierlein comps him to Eagles CB Quinyon Mitchell.
Roto Baller (Gregory)
Washington already invested in linebacker and edge rusher through free agency, making Styles and Rueben Bain Jr. less likely to go here. However, the Commanders’ secondary struggled in nearly every advanced metric last year. Delane would give them a true CB1 and let them move Mike Sainristil back to nickel, improving two spots with one pick.
Round 3: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
Washington needs a possession receiver opposite Terry McLaurin. While the expectation is that it could be Brandon Aiyuk, the 49ers have yet to jettison Aiyuk, and the Commanders would be infinitely lucky if Sarratt fell to them here. Sarratt is a polished route runner with good length and is very good on back shoulder fades, making him a great pick even if Aiyuk is in town.
DraftPlex
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
NFL.com (Davis)
The Commanders must get younger and quicker on defense. The dynamic Styles could replace Bobby Wagner or learn from the six-time first-team All-Pro if Washington re-signs him.
USA Today (Ostly)
Washington has plenty of needs, but at this point in the draft, the team should take the best player available. Styles is a dynamic threat and the Commanders signed enough talent to shore up the edge position. Washington needs to get younger and more athletic on defense compared to a year ago and Styles certainly helps with both. In a division with potent running games in Philadelphia and Dallas, Washington needs a player like Styles on defense to wreak some havoc.
NFL Draft on SI (Melo)
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles is among the more complete prospects in this class. The Washington Commanders could use his range and athleticism behind a reimagined defensive line that now has K’Lavon Chaisson and Odafe Oweh rushing the passer. The Commanders would be getting a top-three prospect with the seventh pick.
Bleacher Report
The Washington Commanders already feature two of the NFL’s most physical and attacking linebackers after signing Leo Chenal in free agency to join Frankie Luvu. However, both are far better working downhill and being used as aggressive blitzers or rushers.
Whereas, Ohio State’s Sonny Styles is the most athletically gifted linebacker to ever enter the NFL ranks–which isn’t hyperbole after posting a perfect relative athletic score at this year’s NFL combine, according to Kent Lee Platte.
Styles is the ideal piece to play alongside Luvu and Chenal, allowing Dan Quinn to get really creative with his defensive scheme.
“The Commanders’ defense could use a linebacker who can drop in coverage, and Luvu is about to enter a contract year anyway,” Holder said. “Styles, who converted from safety, brings that and more to the nation’s capital. He’s a sure tackler, similar to the backer he’d be replacing, Bobby Wagner.”nse needs pass-rush help, which Bain can provide, along with being a physical edge-setter in the run game.”
Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
The Athletic (Feldman)
There’s been a lot of chatter about how Bain, the most dominant D-lineman in college football in 2025, would become the first edge rusher in over two decades to get selected in the first round with sub-31-inch arms. At 6-2, 263, Bain has an arm length of 30 7/8 inches. He was still a nightmare for opponents. His production and intangibles are as good as you’ll find. He also had more to do with changing the culture of a Miami program that had been spinning its wheels for two decades than any other player. He was just a relentless ass-kicker.
“All those people who talk about how short his arms are are idiots,” said a Big Ten assistant coach. “This is just asinine conversation that people are having. Watch his film. He’s gonna be a dude. He’s gonna be an elite pass rusher. He gets off the ball. He has elite power. You turn speed into power, arm length doesn’t matter. He’ll neutralize their length. He’s elite, man. Did you watch his (pro day)? He can get his right shoulder almost on the ground when he’s turning the corner, and the violence he’s coming out of it with — what he did in that drill is rare.”
Bain, who led the nation with 68 QB hurries in 2025, was at his best when Miami began its College Football Playoff run, producing 5.5 TFLs and four sacks as the Canes upset Texas A&M and Ohio State. PFF gave him the highest grade (81.8) of any defensive player in the two semifinal games when Bain powered Miami to a win over Ole Miss. In the national title game against Indiana, Bain had a season-high eight tackles, with 2.5 TFLs and three pressures. He also had 10 pressures in a game against Florida State.
“He causes all sorts of havoc,” said one head coach who faced Miami, calling Bain the best defensive player he saw all season. “He’s such a violent player with heavy hands. He abused some really good O-linemen last year.”
CBS Sports (Wilson)
Bain feels like a Dan Quinn edge rusher, and this is still a position of need — even after the Commanders signed Odafe Oweh and K’Lavon Chaisson.
Round 3: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
CBS Sports (Edwards)
There are a lot of teams in this draft eyeing defensive talent in a number of different roles. The Commanders may consider safety Caleb Downs and linebacker Sonny Styles, but Rueben Bain is of equal consideration despite moves made by the organization this offseason.
Associated Press (Maadi)
Bain is a versatile rusher who can line up on the edge or inside against guards, creating mismatches. He’ll be a huge asset for the Commanders.
Pro Football Network (Infante)
The 2025 season was a disaster for the Washington Commanders. Injuries flooded their roster, but they also exposed their lack of developing young talent outside of injured quarterback Jayden Daniels. They have a serious chance in the 2026 NFL Draft to infuse their roster with much-needed youth.
Rueben Bain Jr. is a powerful edge rusher who accelerates quickly off the line of scrimmage.
Bain Jr. maintains a low center of gravity at the point of attack, he converts speed to power well, and he has a deep arsenal of moves he can string together to shed blocks. He’s arguably been the best pure edge rusher in college football this year and is easily one of the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Round 3: Brenen Thompson, Mississippi State, WR
To the surprise of very few, least of all me, Brenen Thompson ran the fastest 40-yard dash at this year’s Combine. He’s undersized and lacks ideal physicality, but he’s an incredible athlete with elite deep speed and scary shiftiness with the ball in his hands.
A to Z Sports
Every year, there are players that the NFL overthinks despite their film being fantastic. This year, one of those players is Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr., due to his short arms. The Commanders take advantage of this by landing arguably the best defensive player in the draft to bolster their defensive lines.
Round 3: Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
FTN Fantasy (Ratcliffe)
Bain was virtually unblockable in the ACC at times, combining elite get-off with violent finishing ability and a non-stop motor. Washington needs more juice off the edge, and Bain’s pass-rush variety and physical style make him a premium fit. Forget about the short arms. This is outstanding value.
Round 3: Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
Fantasy Life (Freedman)
Rueben Bain started all three years in college, and last season he won the Ted Hendricks Award as the nation’s top DE and earned consensus first-team All-American recognition.
His lack of height (6-foot-2) and arm length (30.88-inch arms) are issues, but his power as a rusher speaks for itself.
The Commanders need a DL upgrade.
The Big Lead (De Lima)
The Commanders secure a closer for their defensive front. Bain Jr. led the nation with 83 total QB pressures and recorded 9.5 sacks in 2025. Washington allowed a league-high 384.3 yards per game last season, and their pass rush lacked a finisher. Bain brings the violent hands and power required to fix a unit that ranked 32nd in points allowed, giving Jayden Daniels more defensive support.
SB Nation (Schofield)
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
NBC Sports Boston (Perry)
It’s been a relatively long wait for Bailey, who could go as early as No. 2 overall. But the Commanders are happy this explosive pass-rusher has fallen into their laps.
A to Z Sports (Forness)
New defensive coordinator Daronte Jones is going to prioritize getting pressure on the quarterback. While the Commanders did give Odafe Oweh big money in free agency, they still need a constant on the other side. Bailey is a great complement to what Oweh brings to the table, and they can bring him along slowly.
Saturday Blitz (Rome)
Dan Quinn is going to be under a ton of pressure heading into 2026 after a miserable 2025 season, along with the fact he drastically changed his staff. Most important for Quinn will be having a solid season on defense otherwise the Commanders may move toward an offensive minded head coach. David Bailey just posted a monster 14.5 sack season at Texas Tech, and he’d give this team a massive boost off the edge opposite major free agent signing Odafe Oweh.
Round 3: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
The Commanders are going to need to best set Jayden Daniels up for success, and giving him more weapons should be a priority. At 6-foot-4, Malachi Fields could bring size to the outside that this offense doesn’t have with any other receiver. Fields could develop into a trusted weapon for Jayden Daniels, especially in the redzone while taking some of the pressure off Terry McLaurin as he continues to age.
Bleacher Nation (Flowers)
Washington’s pass rush needs an infusion of talent, and Bailey is one of the most versatile edge defenders in this class. He’s not the biggest prospect off the edge, but his first step is elite, his hand-fighting is advanced, and his motor never quits. He had double-digit sacks at Texas Tech against Big 12 competition and showed he can win with both power and finesse. A legitimate Week 1 starter.
Bleacher Nation (Rooney)
I think Ohio State safety Caleb Downs is the best player in the draft still at this point, but if an EDGE with as high a ceiling as David Bailey is sitting there, I think Washington has to take him. If the Commanders are choosing between Bailey and Downs, I don’t think there is a wrong choice.
Tankathon
Trade down
Athlon Sports (Easterling)
Dolphins get: No. 7 overall(Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami)
Commanders get: No. 11 overall, No. 75 overall, No. 130 overall
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Let me be clear: Letting Downs fall out of the top 10 would be absolutely bonkers. He’s the No. 1 overall player on my board, and should have no business still being on the board here. But the NFL continues to prove incapable of learning their lesson when given the chance to properly value elite safety prospects (Derwin James, Kyle Hamilton, Nick Emmanwori), so we shouldn’t be shocked if they do it again. Downs may lack the elite size of that trio, but he’s a three-level playmaker with elite instincts and intelligence.
Round 3: Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC
Round 3: Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas
Round 4: Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State
Standig Room Only
Rams get: No. 7 overall(Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame)
Commanders get: No. 13 overall, No. 61 overall, 2027 4th
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
We’ve discussed trade-down scenarios for weeks. This one checks every box.
Lemon, often compared to Amon-Ra St. Brown, fits the slot role in a Ben Johnson-style offense — the direction new OC David Blough is expected to lean. Lemon brings elite YAC ability, plus enough outside versatility for 2-WR sets.
Then came head coach Dan Quinn this week, when asked about the incoming WR class:
“There are a lot of different varieties of players at the position… some slots that have an absolute change of direction… option routes… choice routes…”
Interesting that Quinn led with slot types, even though the public focus has been on an outside receiver opposite Terry McLaurin. Maybe nothing or maybe top of mind for a reason. Something to file away.
Washington might not be willing to pass on Love, but the backfield of Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White can get the job done and now the offense adds another receiving playmaker.
Overall, there’s not enough data to justify Lemon at No. 7. At 13, with extra draft capital? Different story.
Round 2: Derrick Moore, ER, Michigan
There’s temptation to swing big with Penn State’s Dani Dennis-Sutton, owner of the highest Relative Athletic Score, or RAS, among edge rushers, especially with an eye on 2027. $100 million man Odafe Oweh is the lone high-end rotation option locked in beyond 2026.
Moore, a first-team All Big Ten selection, offers a different appeal: length, instincts and production (10 sacks, 10.5 TFL). Team captain. High football IQ.
Round 3: Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
All of Washington’s football decision-makers descending on the Buckeyes’s pro day doesn’t go for naught. Igbinosun provides size (6-foot-2), length, experience (53 career starts) and athletic traits. All of that could be put to good use if he cuts down on penalties.
Trade up
NFL Mocks (Harper)
Commanders trade up to #4 overall(Titans) to draft Rueben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami
The first of many major trades in this mock draft, it’s widely expected that the Giants will take the best defender on the board at No. 5, and Bain Jr. could be their choice if he remains available. Washington added some pass-rush help in free agency, but they still need to upgrade the group in a significant way. Jumping New York here may be aggressive simply for the sake of being aggressive, but if they like the player enough, they could make a move to secure the Hurricanes’ superstar.
