The NFL draft is two weeks away, kicking off in Pittsburgh on Thursday, April 23rd. The Commanders have had Top 30 visits and hosted 37 local prospect recently as they finalize their big board. Free agency was a big boost for the Washington Commanders, and the focus on improving the defense gives some spotlight to a few offensive weapons in the draft.
This roundup has 75 mock drafts and 18 of them feature the most popular player for the Washington Commanders. Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love
is an intriguing prospect who could elevate any team’s offense. Adding another premium weapon for Jayden Daniels and new offensive coordinator makes too much sense. There were also three trade ups in this week’s roundup, and they all have Washington moving up to #3 to secure Love. That move would likely not go over well with a majority of the fanbase.
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs is the next most popular pick for the Commanders, and he was Hogs Haven’s choice in this year’s SB Nation Community Mock Draft. He’s the top DB in this year’s draft, and is expected to go top 10, despite playing a non-premium position. The Commanders are able to snag him in two different trade down scenarios, but the majority of the mocks have them just staying at #7, and taking a player that could take over the green dot.
Pass rushers are still a popular pick, but we’ve got a new leader for the Commanders. Pipe dreams of getting Arvell Reese at #7 stopped weeks ago, but David Bailey has retaken the lead from Rueben Bain Jr. Bailey was looking like a top 5 pick, but has been slipping to Washington more as the draft gets closer. Bain is a divisive prospect due to his arm length, but the talent is there to be a problem in the NFL.
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.
Ohio State WR Carnell Tate is the only WR option again this week. If the Commanders are determined to got WR in the first round, Tate’s the likely pick. If Washington can trade back, Tate would offer better value, and there are other options who have been linked to them like Jordyn Tyson and Makai Lemon.
Position breakdown:
RB – 18
WR – 7
OG – 1
S – 13
CB – 5
LB – 7
EDGE/OLB – 16
Trade down – 5
Trade up – 3
Where will Washington pick, and who/what position should they take next year?
Mock Draft Sim powered by FanSpeak
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
CBS Sports (Edwards)
Washington first signed Austin Ekeler and then approached the position à la carte — a little bit of this, a little bit of that to fill the room. Jeremiyah Love is the full menu, and he would take a lot of pressure off Jayden Daniels. Running back is a need, and options are limited in this draft class.
Round 3: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
Round 5: Aiden Fisher, LB, Indiana
Round 6: Andre Fuller, CB, Toledo
Round 6: Dae’Quan Wright, TE, Ole Miss
Round 7: Jalen Huskey, S, Maryland
CBS Sports (Podell)
Washington needs Jayden Daniels to remain on the field in 2026 after he missed 10 games because of 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; he ran for an NFL rookie quarterback record 891 yards in 2024. Dan Quinn saw how much having a dominant running back like Marshawn Lynch helped his “Legion of Boom” Seattle Seahawks defense years ago, so he gets himself one here with Love.
CBS Sports (Prisco)
They’ve added to their defense in free agency, which they needed to do, so why not take a playmaking running back to help the offense? Love has the explosive speed to turn short runs into home run touchdowns.
NBC Sports Bay Area (Maiocco)
Adam Peters and Dan Quinn have to love the idea of being a force on the ground.
FOX Sports
The Commanders’ run game was strong last year, ranking fourth in the league at 134.7 rush yards per game. But much of those numbers were inflated due to the fact that Jayden Daniels missed 10 games. Love has 35 rushing touchdowns since 2024, which is the most of any player in that span, and has averaged 6.9 yards per carry over the last two seasons with a whopping 2,497 rushing yards.
Boston Sports Journal (Giardi)
After a great year one under GM Adam Peters and HC Dan Quinn, the Commanders were a mess, firing the DC in-season and letting the OC (Kliff Kingsbury) walk after. Love would come in and be an instant playmaker and take some of the weight off QB Jayden Daniels.
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.
Excluding positional value, Jeremiyah Love has a strong argument towards being the top overall prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft.
He’s an explosive runner who combines sound decision-making between the tackles with elite speed, quick feet, and the ability to change direction, along with toughness that shows up both in the run game and as a receiver after the catch. A backfield with Daniels and Love would be very difficult for opposing NFL defenses to stop.
Round 3: Bud Clark, S, TCU
Over his last four seasons, Bud Clark combined for 15 interceptions and two pick-sixes. He’s a bona fide playmaker with the coverage instincts and the ball skills needed to be a valuable asset in coverage.
Roto Baller (Gregory)
Love has been our choice for Washington in nearly every mock so far, with the Notre Dame product’s receiving skills and burst offering an intriguing safety valve for Jayden Daniels. Plus, Washington’s GM was part of the 49ers front office that prioritized a receiving back (Christian McCaffrey) several years ago.
Rotowire (Coventry)
The clear RB1 in this class pairs elite game-breaking speed and acceleration with advanced vision, three-down versatility and the ability to align in the backfield, slot, or motion, giving Washington a dynamic weapon to maximize their young quarterback’s supporting cast. Love’s natural hands as a receiver, determined blocking mentality and nuanced jab step to exploit lanes project him as an immediate top-10 fantasy RB.
Fantasy Outlook: Love projects as a top-10 fantasy RB with immediate PPR upside. His receiving skills and three-down usage suggest full workload potential.
Strengths: Elite speed and acceleration, advanced vision, natural hands as a receiver, determined blocker.
Concerns: His lean 212-pound frame raises workload questions between the tackles and may require a rotation partner.
For the Win (D’Andrea)
I know I mentioned earlier how a great land-and-air running back can’t fix a young quarterback. At the same time, Washington’s in-house backs are Rachaad White, Bill McCroskey-Merritt and Jerome Ford. There’s a tremendous capacity for an upgrade for what was a borderline top-10 run game last year, relieving a ton of pressure from Jayden Daniels’ shoulders (and pushing the team’s wideout needs to Day 2).
Love brings value as a runner (nearly seven yards per carry the last two seasons) and receiver (280 yards, three touchdowns in 12 games last fall). He could provide peak Le’Veon Bell reps for a team in need of playmakers.
DetroitLions.com (Twentyman)
Washington must address a defense that was last in the league in total defense (384.3 ypg) and middle of the road in sacks (42).
Downs has a terrific football IQ and great instincts. He can be a versatile and productive player in the back end of the Commanders’ defense.
NJ.com (Steele)
Love could become one of the league’s best running backs as a rookie and make Washington’s run game elite.
A to Z Sports
The Commanders have needs elsewhere, but the idea of protecting Jayden Daniels with a top 5 rushing attack in the league seems like a smart investment. Love is easily my top prospect in this class and would make a wicked one-two punch in Washington.
Round 3: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
Essentially Sports (Hubbard)
With Bain off the board, the Commanders could very well turn their attention to Mansoor Delane, but with Jeremiyah Love still available, I don’t see how Washington turns him down. Love is probably the best overall player in the draft this year, and while Washington’s rushing offense was actually pretty good last year, Love would make them even more dynamic.
Arizona Republic (Mackie)
Yes, Washington still needs defensive help. Yes, their wide receiver room is a concern, outside of the aging Terry McLaurin. But come on. Imagine this backfield, pairing an elite running back prospect with Jayden Daniels, one of the game’s most dynamic rushing quarterbacks. That would present nightmares for opposing defenses.
Barstool Sports (Cheah)
Bill Croskey-Merrit flashed last year, but not nearly enough as they’d hoped. The Commanders signed Rachaad White in Free Agency, but he’s more of a third down back. Jerimiyah Love would take a lot of pressure off of Jayden Daniels and the passing game. He’s viewed by some as the top player in the Draft, so while positional value pushes him down a bit, I can’t see him falling too far.
Dolphins Wire (Sarney)
Arguably the most talented football player in the draft, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love can run, catch, and will add excitement to the Commanders’ offense, and quarterback Jayden Daniels’ life could be made easier as he looks to rebound from an off second-year that included a left elbow injury.
Sharp Football Analysis (McCrystal)
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
NFL.com (Lewis)
Support your young talented QB! I don’t think you can go wrong following that North Star philosophy, especially when Jayden Daniels is your quarterback.
Last Man Standig
CBS Sports (Acosta)
Outside of Terry McLaurin, the Commanders’ current receiver room is *checks notes* Treylon Burks, Van Jefferson, Dyami Brown and Luke McCaffrey. Not exactly scary, especially if McLaurin can’t stay healthy. I’m not worried about Tate’s 4.52-second 40-yard dash — that shows up on tape. His ball skills, route-running savvy and body control also show up and make him a great fit in Washington.
Pro Football Focus (Carragher)
Windows can be extremely small in the NFL. Despite their 5-12 record from a season ago, the Commanders are not as far away from competing as some suggest. After loading up on defensive pieces in free agency, including Odafe Oweh, K’Lavon Chaisson, Leo Chenal and Amik Robertson, the Commanders turn their attention to the offense as they attempt to maximize their window while Jayden Daniels remains on a rookie contract.
Tate is not quite in the same tier as some of the top wide receiver prospects in recent draft cycles, but he has one of the highest floors in this class. In a first round filled with developmental prospects, Tate already looks and plays like an NFL receiver. That is notable for a team with higher aspirations for immediate success than many realize.
Athlon Sports (Easterling)
Another team I’d expect to pursue a trade-down, Washington has more needs than picks, most of them on the defense. There’s so much talent to pick from on that side of the ball, but if Tate makes it to this spot, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Commanders jumped at the chance to pair him with Terry McLaurin. This would give Jayden Daniels a fantastic 1-2 punch in the short-term, and also a smooth transition in the future from McLaurin to Tate as the No. 1 target in the passing game.
Round 3: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
NFL Spin Zone (Bedinger)
When you look at the Commanders’ roster after NFL Free Agency, their most obvious need right now would appear to be the wide receiver position. They dealt with some injury issues last year, and now that they don’t even have Deebo Samuel around, the idea of Terry McLaurin missing any time whatsoever would be detrimental to the offense.
Carnell Tate is another pro-ready receiver from that Ohio State program, and although he might not be the most spectacular WR1 prospect we’ve seen, he’ll really help a team like the Commanders. Jayden Daniels needs more weapons on the outside.
Round 3: Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
Seahawks Draft Blog (Staton)
I think this is a reach but some teams are going to be forced into this kind of move in the top-20. Tate lacks amazing speed and I don’t think he’s a #1 target. However, the Commanders simply don’t have enough people on their roster to make things happen. He will be consistent, reliable and complement Terry McLaurin. There are going to be a few picks in this draft where teams take a double rather than go to hit a home run.
Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
Fantasy Points (Whitefield)
Vega Ioane is the best offensive lineman in the draft period. A short-term return of Chris Paul is not stopping me from drafting him either. The Commanders also made the necessary additions on defense in free agency to free them up for this pick
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
NFL.com (Shook)
Like Sonny Styles, Downs’ talent profile is tremendous. Dan Quinn’s league-worst defense already welcomed eight (!) new arrivals this offseason, but that unit needs all the help it can get. So this three-level safety joins the party.
USA Today (Brinkerhoff)
From the makers of “what goes up must come down,” we introduce “what goes Downs must go up.” The Commanders can’t be much worse than they were in 2026, and the Ohio State star safety is primed to be a big reason for that, as Washington, the football team, finally adds some youth.
USA Today (Dragon)
The run of Ohio State players continues as Downs is the fourth Buckeye selected in the first seven picks. Downs is a playmaker in the defensive backfield. He possesses good ball skills. He can play in the box and line up at nickel corner. Plus, he has the IQ to be an anchor in Washington’s secondary.
FOX Sports (Wright)
He was, according to a lot of people, the best player in college football going into the year. The only reason he would be available at No. 7, and might be available outside of the top 10, is the positional [value].
Odds to be No. 7 overall pick: +750
FanSided (Williams)
Caleb Downs feels like the exact type of guy that Dan Quinn would want to set up a new stage for the Commanders defense. They’re still relying quite heavily on a ton of veterans, and need to get younger and more versatile. The Ohio State star doesn’t have any top-of-the-class traits, but he does everything well, and could really help to solidify the back end for Washington in a major way.
Round 3: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee
NFL Spin Zone (Scataglia)
A do-it-all defensive back, Caleb Downs would instantly become a massive weapon for Dan Quinn’s defense, a defensive-minded coach who has always prioritized having talented secondary play.
Draft Countdown (Bosarge)
The Commanders could go wide receiver or edge here, but “settle with” the best overall player in the draft class. Downs is a tone setter for the defense.
A to Z Sports
The Commanders miss out on Love, Tate, and Styles, but their consolation prize in this first round mock draft is arguably the top player in the NFL Draft, safety Caleb Downs.
We saw the Commanders add Nick Cross in free agency. Adding Downs would revamp one of their weakest units from last season. Daronte Jones needs a strong safety room for his versatile and complex defense, so Downs is the perfect fit as an experienced leader and do-it-all defender in the secondary. Positional value will be the debate, but Downs is an eraser on defense, and would honestly be their best defender, and a blue-chip prospect on defense, something they haven’t had in a long time.
FTN Fantasy (Herms)
The main issue the Commanders have is that four out of their six total picks happen in Round 5 or later. After this choice, they don’t have another crack at improving the roster until the third round at 71 overall. All of this is to say that taking Jeremiyah Love here would be dope, but not the most effective use of capital. Caleb Downs’ presence would go a long way toward addressing their glaring secondary issues and take a lot of pressure off the corners.
Fantasy Life (Malstrom)
While I am aware safeties normally slide down the draft boards, it’s hard to ignore how talented and decorated Caleb Downs is, giving the Washington Commanders a ball hawk in the backfield who is just as effective at stopping the run.
Lineups (Janvrin)
Love has the top odds for this pick, and if he were here, he’d certainly be the player I’d say the Commanders would take. However, he’s been gone for a few picks.
Not only that, but Bailey and Reese are also gone.
This could be a Rueben Bain Jr. spot, but the Commanders could use an “easy win” pick here, and that’s Downs.
He’s arguably the top prospect in the entire draft, and he’ll just be ready to go from Week 1 and contribute to the back end of their defense.
Cat Scratch Reader (Belton)
The Commanders add the best player available in Downs, a do-it-all safety who should help the back end of their porous defense.
Gang Green Nation (Newman)
If there’s one head coach in the NFL who knows the value of the safety position, it’s Dan Quinn. The former Legion of Boom defensive coordinator made his bones in the NFL by developing an elite secondary that featured future Hall of Famers Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas.
Caleb Downs has the ability to be that level of player. Yes, there are questions about his athleticism, yes, there are questions about his ability to handle deep speed. That’s no different from any other top safety. Kyle Hamilton had the same questions. Turn on the tape, and you see Downs may be the best pure football player in this class. I’d be shocked if Dan Quinn didn’t rush the card up if Downs makes it this far.
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
NFL.com (Reuter)
The Commanders have two short but tenacious corners in Amik Robertson and Mike Sainristil and hope to get a healthy Trey Amos back after he sustained a broken fibula in Week 10 last season. Delane, the class’ top cover corner, gives Dan Quinn size outside and allows him to stick with man coverage more frequently.
Round 3: Connor Lew, C, Auburn
Round 5: Eric Rivers, WR, Georgia Tech
Yahoo Sports (Fawkes)
This is where it gets interesting. Love (+210) is the betting favorite for the Commanders at No. 7 as well, followed by Styles (+450) and Tate (+475). It’s possible Love falls all the way to No. 7, but for the purposes of a mock draft, we have to select the player with the best odds who hasn’t been taken yet, and that is LSU’s Delane (+500)— the top-ranked CB on the board. Washington’s defense has added pieces on every level this offseason in free agency, but could use more help on the back end.
Football Guys (Bell)
Delane is the elite player hiding in plain sight on consensus boards. Easily the top corner in the class, he was exceptional in 2025. He is rarely mentioned before Pick 9 in the national conversation, invoking memories of fellow LSU Tiger Derek Stingley Jr., who surprised some by going off the board third overall in 2022.
Teams are built to win their division. The Commanders face CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Malik Nabers, DeVonta Smith, and A.J. Brown (for now). Can you name their best corner?
Live Score (Gideon)
The cornerback room has gone through a complete overhaul now that four guys from last year’s team are no longer playing for the Commanders. On top of that, they don’t have a true number-one cornerback since Washington released Marshon Lattimore. After recording a 4.35-second 40-yard dash, Delane appears to be worthy of a top-ten draft pick, so the Commanders choose him to be their new CB1.
DraftPlex
Round 3: Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
Round 5: Bishop Fitzgerald, S, USC
Round 6: Trey Moore, OLB, Texas
Round 6: Lander Barton, LB, Utah
Round 7: Kendrick Law, WR, Kentucky
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
ESPN (Schrager)
I believe Washington is going to go defense; it gave up 6.0 yards per play in 2025, tied for third worst. Styles shows a lot of the same traits that Fred Warner has displayed in San Francisco, and GM Adam Peters — who came from San Francisco — knows what Warner has meant for the 49ers all these years. Styles had 77 tackles as a sideline-to-sideline defender last season and then lit up the combine with a smooth 4.46 in the 40-yard dash and a 43½-inch vertical jump. I like this fit.
USA Today (Davis)
He’s widely compared to Fred Warner, whom GM Adam Peters helped bring to San Francisco. Yet, in addition to being a cerebral player, Styles is a luminary athlete who could assume the role in the middle of Washington’s defense given ILB Bobby Wagner has not re-signed – and neither recently signed Leo Chenal nor Frankie Luvu, who’s under contract for one more year, seem like ideal fits to fill his void.
USA Today (Camenker)
Adam Peters saw firsthand the impact Fred Warner made for the 49ers after being selected in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Styles, who starred at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, could have a similar impact on an anemic Washington defense desperate to add some sideline-to-sideline athleticism.
The Draft Network (Eisner)
The Ohio State run continues here. Sonny Styles is the kind of dynamic player the Commanders desperately need on the second level. He offers a rare combination of energy, versatility, and pass-rush ability. The fact that he’s already excelled as the green dot for Ohio State proves he has the leadership and high football IQ to be an instant starter and the commander of the Washington defense. Styles wowed with his measurables and athleticism at the NFL Combine.
Walter Football (Campbell)
Washington needs some young talent in the middle of their defense. Here’s a long-term replacement for Bobby Wagner.
In 2025, Styles had 83 tackles, five passes defended, one interception, .5 sacks, and a forced fumble. Styles (6-4, 243) has a lot of talent and started to play up to his potential during the 2024 season. He finished with 100 tackles, six sacks, one forced fumble, and five passes broken up. In 2023, he recorded 53 tackles, two sacks, and one pass batted, plus he has been very good in pass coverage. Styles started out as a safety, but was eventually moved to linebacker. Given his size, he fits best as a linebacker in the NFL. Styles is fast, athletic, and versatile. He could be a valuable zone coverage linebacker who is also a sideline-to-sideline run defender. He put his great skill set on display with an amazing NFL Scouting Combine performance.
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.
The Big Lead (De Lima)
Dan Quinn’s defense was historically bad in 2025, allowing a league-high 384.3 total yards per game and ranking dead last (32nd) in points allowed. They were routinely gashed in the middle of the field by tight ends and crossing routes. Styles is a freakish athlete who seamlessly transitioned from safety to the second level. With exceptional lateral range and the ability to cover the slot, he instantly steps in as a tone-setting leader for Washington.
Stadium Rant (North)
Sonny Styles soared into the top ten in many mock drafts after his great combine performance. The Washington Commanders had emphasized rebuilding the defense, and Styles would give them a young star.
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
USA Today (Tice/McDonald)
There might not be a more Dan Quinn-coded pass rusher in this class than Bailey, who thrives with his speed to hawk down quarterbacks off the edge in a way that should translate cleanly to the NFL. However, there’s plenty of room for him to improve as a run defender and to get stronger in those areas, which may be a liability early in his pro career. Still, Bailey is not completely hopeless in that area and should be a high impact player who racks up pressures and sacks.
Walter Football
Jacory Croskey-Merritt was a fun story because he liked to be called Bill for some reason, but the Redskins need to make sure that Jayden Daniels can lean on a potent rushing attack so that he’s not taking too many hits. Jeremiyah Love makes sense for that reason, but he’s not available in this mock draft. Besides, Charlie Campbell reported that the Redskins prefer a pass rusher at No. 7. They signed three edge rushers this offseason, but two of them were inked to just 1-year contracts.
David Bailey is a fast edge rusher with great potential. I can’t imagine slotting Bailey later than No. 4 in this mock draft. He could end up going No. 2 or 3.
Round 3: Javon Kilgore, S, South Carolina
Washington’s secondary has been a disaster for far too long. The front office must take care of this problem.
Javon Kilgore is tall and thickly built. He picked off five passes this past season.
Round 5: Will Pauling, WR, Notre Dame
The Redskins don’t have much youth at receiver, so they’ll need to find a young wideout.
Will Pauling is a terrific route runner and has high character marks.
Newsweek (Erzberger)
Following a string of offensive talents, the Commanders will gladly run up to the podium and get an elite defensive talent in David Bailey to anchor their defensive line for years to come.
Fantasy Life (Freedman)
David Bailey was productive all through his four-year college career, and then last season he had a nation-best 14.5 sacks along with 19.5 tackles for loss as a unanimous first-team All-American.
He has great athleticism (4.50-second 40-yard dash) for his size (6-foot-4, 251 pounds).
The Commanders need a DL upgrade.
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)
If an EDGE with as high a ceiling as David Bailey is sitting there, I think Washington has to take him.
Buccaneers.com (Kahaian)
Dan Quinn is thrilled David Bailey is still on the board. The Commanders get what many believe to be the best edge rusher in the draft.
Round 3: Skyler Bell, WR, UConn
Round 5: Tacario Davis, CB, Washington
Round 6: Noah Whittington, RB, Oregon
Round 6: Alex Harkey, OT, Oregon
Round 7: Robert Spears-Jennings, S, Oklahoma
Roster Watch (Carpentier)
Tankathon
Rueben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami
The Athletic (Baumgardner)
Bain is a jackhammer. His underwhelming arm length isn’t irrelevant, but jackhammers find a way to make it work. His hands are lethal, his power is tremendous and — if he’s motivated to prove people wrong — this could be a steal.
Round 3: Treydan Stukes, CB, Arizona
Pro Football Network (Randall)
Tripling down (no pun intended) with Downs here is attractive. I’ve previously mentioned that Per NextGen Stats, the Washington Commanders were (slightly) bottom-half in pressure and sack percentage this season, and in get-off time. Pair that with what we should know by now regarding the importance of pass-rushing platoons, as well.
General manager Adam Peters has also almost exclusively opted for players at premium positions with picks in the first two rounds, hence why Bain presents as the wisest selection.
Round 3: Skyler Bell, WR, UConn
Skyler Bell doesn’t have to wait much longer than he did in my prior mock to find his new home with quarterback Jayden Daniels. Bell’s dynamism shouldn’t have trouble finding a role.
Round 5: Matt Gulbin, C, Michigan State
Round 6: Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LB, TCU
Round 6: Fernando Carmona Jr., G, Arkansas
Round 7: Jamarion Miller, RB, Alabama
A to Z Sports (Crabbs)
Dan Quinn’s defensive overhaul was in full force in free agency. Odafe Oweh, K’Lavon Chaisson, Leo Chenal, Nick Cross, and Charles Omenihu are all meaningful additions. The board here leaves a handful of players under consideration — including SAF Caleb Downs. But the Bain Jr. is simply too disruptive of a line of scrimmage presence for Quinn to pass up.
Round 3: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
Sports Illustrated (MacMillan)
Despite DraftKings having odds posted for the top 10 picks, it doesn’t mean it’s as straightforward as keying in the betting favorite in each spot. For the Washington Commanders at No. 7, DraftKings has Jeremiyah Love (+200), Sonny Styles (+370), and Carnell Tate (+400) as the top three favorites, despite each of them already being favored for another team. That tells me if one of those three drops to the Commanders, there’s a strong chance they’ll scoop them up. If all three are off the board, Rueben Bain Jr. is the next logical option. He’s set as fourth on the odds list in this spot at +500.
Bears Wire (Pendleton)
Dan Quinn loves his pass rushers and defensive players, and he’ll get a stud in Rueben Bain at this selection. Coming off a season in which he had 12 sacks and helped lead his team to the National Championship game, Bain will be rewarded by hearing his name off the board quickly.
Draft Wire (Popejoy)
Mock Draft Database
Trade down
Saturday Blitz (Rome)
Commanders receive #13(Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State), #61, 2027 2nd-round pick
Rams select Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami at #7
Building up the offense around Jayden Daniels should be the top priority after he dealt with injuries this season. While Terry McLaurin is back, Daniels could use an influx of capable younger talent on the outside. Jordyn Tyson comes with some medical concerns, but he has all the talent to become a superstar, which should be appealing to a team already banking on Daniels.
NFL Mocks (Basile-vaughan)
Commanders trade down to #12 and select Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Jets select David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech at #7
The Commanders trading back won’t sit well with fans, but they still are able to draft a position of need with the selection of Mansoor Delane with the No. 12 overall pick. With the release of Marshon Lattimore and Jonathan Jones going elsewhere in free agency, the Commanders are thin at the position and in need of a high-impact corner like Delane. Now they have an additional pick to work with in this draft to address other needs.
Draft Countdown (Lamb)
Commanders trade down to #11 and select Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Dolphins select Makai Lemon, WR, USC at #7
I firmly believe that we’ll have a team trade into the top ten; it’s just a matter of where. A team looking to move up for Jeremiyah Love is certainly a possibility, but that means that the Jets or Cardinals would need to move down. Draft Analyst Daniel Jeremiah was critical of Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson. Assuming this is the buzz in NFL circles, I think it’s fair to say the Dolphins would make a move up to get their guy.
The Ringer (Lee)
Commanders receive #9(Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee), 2026 3rd-round pick
Chiefs receive #7(David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech), 2026 6th-round pick
Washington’s fans should feel good about this trade back to the ninth pick. The additional third-rounder from Kansas City will help it recoup the capital lost in last year’s trade for tackle Laremy Tunsil, and there are still plenty of high-end defensive talents available at this point in the first round.
McCoy could become a lockdown corner, and it’s possible that he will wind up being the best corner in this draft. His 4.38 40-yard dash on his pro day suggests that his knee injury is fully healed and that he’ll be ready to go in Week 1.
Fantasy Pros (Fanelli)
Commanders receive #9(Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State), #74
Chiefs select Rueben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami at #7
After trading back two spots and adding a third-round pick, the Commanders still land the top defensive back in the draft class. Downs will give new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones a do-it-all weapon to build game plans around.
Round 3: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
Round 3: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington
Trade up
Clutch Points (Crean)
Commanders trade up to #3 and select Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Cardinals select Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami at #7
The Commanders need a game-changer to take some pressure off of Jayden Daniels, and none of the wideouts in the 2026 NFL Draft are surefire NFL stars. Running back Jeremiyah Love does fit that bill, though, but they will have to jump the Titans to go up and get the former Notre Dame back.
Penn Live (McGonigal)
Commanders trade up to #3 and select Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Cardinals receiver #7(Rueben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami), 2027 2nd-round pick
There’s been chatter around the Titans or Giants drafting Love. The Commanders swoop in to snag the Notre Dame star and create a dynamic backfield pairing with Love and Jayden Daniels.
Sporting News (Iyer)
Commanders trade up to #3 and select Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Cardinals select David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech at #7
The Commanders have made it no secret they love Love to be their new feature power back as they reboot their backfield this offseason. Rachaad White is a complementary option and Love can be the needed workhorse to boost the overall game of Jayden Daniels with David Blough taking over the offense.
