The 2026 Bris Vegas Washington Commanders Little Board

With the 2026 draft just a few days away, it is time to unveil my annual Washington Commanders Little Board.

The big name draft analysts and media outlets all have their Big Boards, listing 100 to 300 prospects. That’s a lot of names for the casual Commanders fan to wade through to find the 6 players that Adam Peters will be an idiot for passing up later this week. To simplify the process, I’ve narrowed it down to just 12 players who are guaranteed to get the Commanders back to the Super Bowl.

The

Little Board grew out of a list of 12 must-have prospects I used to compile in every draft, as a way to stay connected to my home town team, back before the advent of streaming services made it easy to follow them in Australia. It is a list of players I like for one reason or another, and is definitely not an attempt to predict players the Commanders will actually pick. Over the years, as I have followed the draft in greater depth, it has bloated from the original 12 payers, and I have been tying to pare it back down. This year I nearly succeeded, except for the appendage I had to tack on at the end.

During the dark years, before Adam Peters replaced Ron Rivera as head of personnel, the Little Board was mainly a list of players who were destined to become Ravens, Packers, Steelers, Patriots and for some reason Titans (whom I will never forgive for drafting A.J. Brown). Since AP took over, more and more Little Boarders have been finding their way onto the roster.

Last year’s Little Board set a new record, with three mentioned players drafted by the Commanders: CB Trey Amos, WR/PR Jaylin Lane, RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt. The caveat is that they were all alternate selections, which I include as my cheat to mention more players that I like.

That was, without a doubt, the best performing Little Board to date. Normally it’s a lot more hit and miss. Most of the main selections had very good to impressive rookie debuts for other teams, including S Nick Emmanwori (AP DroY-2), S Xavier Watts (AP DroY-4), NT Jamaree Caldwell (5 starts, 1 PD, 1 FF, 1 sack, 31 comb tackles, 5 TFL), G Tate Ratledge (17 starts, 73.5 RBlk grade), WR Tre Harris (10 starts, 30 Rec, 324 Yds, 1 TD, 6/8 CTC), RB Quinshon Judkins (14 starts, 827 Yds, 7 TD; 26 rec, 171 Yds), and RB Cam Skattebo (5 starts, 410 yds, 5 TD; 24 Rec, 207 yds, 2 TD).

A few others had solid rookie outings, including CB Azareye’h Thomas, DE J.T. Tuimoloau, WR Jaylin Noel, WR Dont’e Thornton. And only two struggled to get on the field (DT JJ Pegues) or struggled when they were on it (OL Anthony Belton).

It will be hard to replicate that success rate this year. To increase my chances of finding the gems of the draft class, I have enlisted the help of my 18 year old son, Sam. Thanks to Jayden Daniels, Sam is now the biggest Washington Commanders’ fan under 60 in the Southern Hemisphere. He has been helping me build the DraftBot’s board, and will be giving his picks for each of the categories.

At 7th Overall

Ordinarily, the Little Board includes some “Impossible Dream” picks near the top of the draft order. This year, one of those dreams is likely to come true, courtesy of the Commanders’ disappointing 5-12 finish. The following three prospects represent the silver lining to the storm clouds of 2025.

1. Mansoor Delane, Senior, LSU

6-0 | 187 lbs | 4.38s 40 | Age 22

Consensus Rank: 10

Commanders’ Meetings: Combine, Top 30 Visit

Mansoor Delane is the premiere shutdown corner in the draft class. In 357 coverage snaps, SEC WR1s in his coverage were targeted just 35 times for 14 receptions, 165 yds and 0 TDs. His interception count might seem low, but that’s because he starved himself of opportunities by erasing his receivers. He intercepted 5.7% of his targets, which was the 11^th highest rate of interceptions among 59 consensus-ranked CB prospects.

Pairing Delane with Trey Amos will take away the perimeter from opposing QBs, giving the pass rush extra time to work, forcing bad decisions to generate opportunities for defense. The logic is inescapable. Mansoor Delane will be the Commanders pick at #7, if he’s still available.

SamInBrisVegas Pick: Mansoor Delane

2. Caleb Downs, Junior, Ohio State

6-0 | 206 lbs | Arms 30.25” | Age 21

2025 Stats: 68 Comb Tkl | 7.2% Run Stop Rate| 0.47 Y/Cov Snap | 2 FF | 1 Sack | 2 INT | 2 PD

Consensus Rank: 9

Commanders Meetings: Combine

It’s possible that a CB needy team like the Chiefs will jump ahead of the Commanders to snap up Delane. If that happens, the choice comes down to splitting the tie between two OSU defenders. Downs barely nudges ahead, by virtue of being the more refined prospect and playing a position where the Commanders have just one plausible starter.

Downs has been labelled a “football savant” for his uncanny ability to anticipate offensive plays and see through misdirection. He is a do it all safety, who excels at stopping the run, and is well versed at playing man or zone coverage and rushing the passer. He is at his best near the line, where he provides an interchangeable chess piece for Daronte Jones to stress offenses. But he can play single high or cover tight ends down the seam, as the need arises.

Leaving a talent of this magnitude on the board carries the risk of a lifetime of comparisons to Ron Rivera (see 2022 draft). Nobody wants that for the Commanders’ fledgling GM.

SamInBrisVegas Pick: Caleb Downs

3. Sonny Styles, Senior, Ohio State

6-5 | 244 lbs | 32.9” arms | 4.46 sec 40 | RAS 9.99 | Age 21

Consensus Rank: 6

Commanders Meeting: Combine, Team Pro Day, Top 30 Visit

Styles is an elite athlete and has been described as a raw prospect, who is still learning the nuances of the LB position following the transition from safety in his junior season. His elite productivity against top-level competition in run defense, combined with quality figures in coverage and the pass rush, in just his second year playing LB, tell me the sky is his limit.

Styles draws comps to LB Fred Warner and S Kyle Hamilton, or maybe some combination of the two. Having tweener characteristics is seen as a knock by many NFL teams, but in Daronte Jones’ new defense, it’s likely to be a feature.

SamInBrisVegas Pick: Sonny Styles

Day 2

The Commanders currently only have a single Day 2 pick in the third round. But they could add more Day 2 selections in a trade, particularly if the Titans pass on Jeremiyah Love, allowing him to drop and spark a bidding war at #7.

4. War Daddy – iOL Keylan Rutledge, Senior, Georgia Tech

6-4 | 316 lbs | 33.25” arms | RAS 9.53 | Age 22

2025 Stats: 13 Games | 872 Blk Snps | 1.4% Pressure Rate | 0 Sacks | 76.8 Run Blk Grade

Consensus Rank: 58

Commanders’ Meetings: Senior Bowl

The Commanders don’t necessarily need another starting guard, with Sam Cosmi, Brandon Coleman and Chris Paul on the roster. But are all of those guys really War Daddies? You’re always going to need more bodies on the OL to get through a season. And it never hurts to have the backups pushing for starting time. Rutledge is the kind of player the Eagles would pick, when they’re already set at guard. And look how good their OL is.

Rutledge is a mauler, with the power to ragdoll defenders and the mean streak to really enjoy it. A lot of his reps end with the defender on the ground. He is also extremely athletic for such a big man, with the movement skills to fit any blocking scheme. He might have a few things to clean up with his footwork, but he’s still a day one starter.

Not sold yet? How about if I told you he has been practicing at guard and center throughout the draft process? He believes he has the versatility to play any position on the iOL, which would make him an instant upgrade at LG while he learns the center position. I don’t doubt him.

The only problem with Rutledge is that he is projected to fall in the gap between the Commanders’ first- and third-round picks. AP will need to find a second-round pick to make this happen. Get on it, AP.

Could have picked: see Nose Tackle, below

SamInBrisVegas Pick: LB Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech)

5. Swiss Army Knife – Nickel Safety, Keionte Scott, Senior, Miami FL

5-11 | 193 lbs | 4.33 sec 40 | RAS 8.97 | Age 24

Consensus Rank: 59

Commanders Meetings: Top 30 Visit

Nobody can agree what position Scott plays. Based on pre-snap alignments, he’s a nickel safety, although a lot of outlets group him with the CBs. But it’s not how they line-up, it’s where they wind up, right? He ticks the box as an interchangeable defensive back for a “position agnostic” defense.

Scott stops the run like a linebacker. His Run Stop Rate is double those of the best CBs in the draft class. He covers slot receivers and plays robber safety. He strips the ball to generate turnovers. He scores on defense. And Miami blitzed him the most of any DB in the draft class, with great results.

Is there anything more exciting than a corner blitz for a sack? No, there’s not, except for a pick-6, or a strip sack. Check, check, check.

On top of all that, coaches rave about his locker room leadership. He’s been here for a Top 30 visit. No doubt he’s got the Commander tag. If he falls to pick #71, which might be a stretch, place your jersey order early. He will be a fan favorite.

Could have picked: V.J. Payne (Kansas State) on Day 3; DeShon Singleton Jr (Nebraska), Round 7/UDFA

SamInBrisVegas Pick: FB/QB Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech); Day 3 – FB/RB/WR – Eli Heidenreich (Navy)

6. Shutdown Corner – Davison Igbinosun, Senior, Ohio State

6-2 | 189 lbs | 32 7/8” arms | 4.45s 40 | RAS 7.46 | Age 21

2025 Stats: 53 Comb Tkl | 2.8% Run Stop Rate | 0.57 Y/Cov Snap | 2 INT | 8 PD | 207 Yds Allowed | 0 TD

Consensus Rank: 73

Commanders’ Meetings: Senior Bowl

If the Commanders miss out on drafting a shutdown corner at 7, Igbinosun could be their second bite of the cherry with their current picks. He’s the type of long, physically imposing press corner we associate with Dan Quinn, with some similarities to Byron Murphy who played for Daronte Jones in Minnesota.

He is experienced for a young player, and has shown strong growth in four years at Ohio State, with upside to develop further. He is one of the best CBs in the draft class in run defense (Run Stop Rate > 90^th percentile). His rate of yardage allowed in coverage was above the 75^th percentile. He should be ready to contribute right away in press coverage looks. With some technique improvements, he could push for starting time early in a zone-heavy scheme.

Could have picked: Chris Johnson, San Diego State

SamInBrisVegas Pick: D’angelo Ponds (Indiana); alternatively Chris Johnson

6. Shutdown Corner – Davison Igbinosun, Senior, Ohio State

6-1 | 223 lbs | 4.33 sec 40 | RAS 9.87 | Age 22

2025 Rushing Stats: 167 Att | 1,070 yds | 8 TD | 6.4 Y/A | 3.9 YAC/Att | 34 MTF | 3 Fumbles

2025 Receiving Stats: 36 Tgt | 28 Rec (78%) | 226 Yd | 1 TD | 1 Drop | ADOT 0.0 | 8.7 YAC/Rec

Consensus Rank: 66

Commanders Meetings: Senior Bowl, Team Pro Day

Mike Washington is a big, muscled-up, interior runner, with the speed to take it to the house whenever he sees daylight, and the power to break tackles and make his own opportunities. In his breakout season with Arkansas, 48.3% of his rushing production came on runs of 15 or more yards. He is an equally explosive play threat on screens and checkdowns.

He has a similar athletic profile and running style to Adrian Peterson, and similar ball security concerns. He has the durability to handle a bell cow role, but will need to improve his pass protection to become a three down back. While he’s learning, he would be an instant upgrade to the Commanders’ running game, as a complement to Bill, with Rachaad White and Jeremy McNichols splitting 3^rd down reps.

Could have picked: WR Omar Cooper Jr (Indiana), don’t ask me how

Sam in BrisVegas Pick: WR Malik Benson (Oregon), alternatively RB Robert Henry (UTSA)

Day 3

8. Raw Talent/Untapped Potential – EDGE Keyron Crawford, Senior, Auburn

6-4 | 253 lbs | 32” arms | Age 22

Consensus Rank: 89 and rising

Commanders Meetings: Combine, Team Pro Day

My personal favorite Day 3 prospect for the Commanders, except that he’s generating buzz and has moved up to Day 2. The Commanders would probably need to add a pick for him to become a consideration, because more polished prospects are likely to be available at #71. But none with more untapped potential.

Crawford played the “Buck” position at Auburn, which is analogous to the hybrid edge role that Andrew Van Ginkel played with Daronte Jones in Minnesota. It requires an OLB who can rush the passer and drop into coverage, which is a rare combination of skills.

Crawford plays like his hair is on fire. He is explosive and violent, and plays every rep at max speed, through the whistle. He has the bend and burst to make up for less than ideal length. He also held up well playing the most coverage snaps of any ED in the draft class. He switched from basketball to football five years ago, and is still learning the position. Nevertheless, he is already near the top of the class in generating pressure and is very good in coverage for an OLB.

He didn’t do tests at the Combine or pro days. But on film, he plays fast and is a fluid mover. He will have to perfect his technique to make up for short arms, and has made good progress at doing just that. He will need to develop further to earn a starting role, but he’s ready to contribute now as a rotational passing-down specialist, and on special teams.

Aside from arm length, the main knocks on his scouting reports are below average run defense, and lack of mass to set the edge. Edge-setting doesn’t seem to be an important part of the role Van Ginkel plays in Minnesota, if that’s how they’d plan to use Crawford in DC.

Could have picked: CB Hezekiah Masses (California)

SamInBrisVegas: S Lorenzo Styles, Jr (Ohio State)

9. Versatile O-Line Depth – Brian Parker II, Redshirt Junior, Duke

6-5 | 309 lbs | 32.9” arms | RAS 9.13 | Age 22

2025 Stats: 13 Games | 902 Blk Snps | 4.0% Pressure Rate | 3 Sacks | 83.9 Run Blk Grade

Consensus Rank: 117

Commanders Meetings: East-West Shrine

The Commanders desperately need of an infusion of youth in the depth ranks, and nowhere more than at OL. If the plan is to roll with Nick Allegretti at center, they should look for young players who might be able to take over down the road, when that turns out not to have been the best idea.

Parker played OT at Duke, but worked out with centers at the Combine. He is a feisty blocker, with great technique, body control and athleticism to overcome average length and play strength. He is a skilled zone blocker with speed and technique to reach targets at the second level.

Parker is a developmental prospect, with starting upside at center and flexibility to backup other OL positions. He won’t send Allegretti to the bench this season, but not many centers in this draft class are guaranteed to do that.

Could have picked: OT Kage Casey (Boise State)

SamInBrisVegas pick: Kage Casey, alternatively OT Kaegen Trost (Missouri)

10. Late Round Gem – WR Malik Benson, Senior, Oregon

6-0 | 189 | 31.9” arms | 4.37 sec 40 | RAS 6.06 | Age 23 years

2025 Stats: 15 Games | 43 Rec | 719 Yds | 6 TD | 14.7% CROE | ADOT 13.8 yds | 2.6 Y/RR | 60% CTC Rate

Consensus Rank: 238

Commanders Meetings: East-West Shrine, Combine informal, Team Pro Day, Zoom Meeting

Every couple of draft classes some Day 3 WR steals the spotlight from their more hyped early round classmates. Often these players get overlooked earlier in the draft because they lack elite measurables (e.g. Puka Nacua 4.56 sec 40; Tyreek Hill 5’8”). One thing most WR sleepers have in common is elite catch phase execution. To help spot receivers who are really good at catching the football, I developed the Catch Rate Over Expectation (CROE), which takes ADOT out of the equation to uncover the best pass catchers.

Benson is on the slim side, but is exceptionally tough for a speedy deep threat. He ranked 5^th in CROE in this year’s WR Round-up, putting him head and shoulders above every WR with a first-round projection, except WR1 Carnell Tate. He tied with Tate for first place in Catch Rate on targets over 20 yards, and finished 9^th in Contested Catch Rate. He was also 5^th in Y/RR, the best overall metric for receiving productivity. He is the best WR at making clutch catches after the top-rated WR in the draft class.

Benson might get tagged as a deep-ball specialist, but his toughness to produce clutch catches in the middle of the field will give him a chance to compete for a starting position. He is also a dynamic punt returner. Five years from now, people will be asking, “Why did no one see Malik Benson coming?” Just remember where you heard about him first. Also, don’t be surprised if he is picked earlier than consensus, like last year’s version, Isaac TeSlaa. The Commanders might just be the team that jumps the gun, since they have met with him at least four times.

Could have picked: WR Cyrus Allen (Cincinnati); Day 2 Version – WR Elijah Sarratt (Indiana)

SamInBrisVegas Pick: FB/HB/WR Eli Heidenreich (Navy), alternatively ED Keyshawn James-Newby (New Mexico)

11. Nose Tackle – DeMonte Capehart, 6^th Year Senior, Clemson

6-5 | 313 lbs | 33.9” arms | 4.85 sec 40 | RAS 9.96 | Age 23

Consensus Rank: 143

Commanders Meetings: None

The nose tackle is the fullback of the defense, a selfless contributor, who works outside the spotlight to create opportunities for his teammates. That description suits Demonte to a T. But Demonte is a nose tackle with a difference. Nose tackles don’t usually run a sub-5 second 40, or post a vertical jump of 33.5”. Demonte caught the attention of NFL scouts with athletic testing numbers among the top echelon of big interior defenders at the Combine in the past 40 years.

He is a big, two-gapper with the strength to occupy double teams, clog running lanes and open gaps for the blitzers to feast. He has the tools to make an impact in the pass rush, but needs to develop his technique. Despite the Combine Buzz, Demonte could drop to the Commanders near the top of the 5^th round, because run-stopping DTs are devalued.

Ticks the War Daddy box if we miss out on Kaylan Rutledge.

Could have picked: Rayshaun Benny (Michigan)

SamInBrisVegas Pick: The DTs I really like in this class are Skyler Gill-Howard (Texas Tech) and Kaleb Proctor (SE Louisiana). Different DT concept. Let the record show that I was on to SGH long before the Top 30 visit [MiBV: It’s true].

12. The Battler – RB J’Mari Taylor, 5^th Year Senior, Virginia

5-10 | 199 lbs | 4.66 sec 40 | RAS 4.86 | Age 24

2025 Rushing Stats: 13 Games | 222 Att | 1,062 yds | 14 TD | 4.8 Y/A | 3.4 YAC/Att | 55 MTF | 1 Fumble

Consensus Rank: 206

Commanders Meeting: Senior Bowl, Team Pro Day

The “Battler” is an Australian cultural archetype, referring to working class people who persevere in the face of financial hardship and other adversity. I am coopting it to signify players who are destined to succeed in the league despite less than desirable measurables or other handicaps. We celebrate the pre-season struggles of these gritty underdogs annually on Hogs Haven through the Mason-Brennan Award contest. Prototype: 2x PB, AP-2 RB Alfred Morris, 6^th round pick, 2012

J’Mari Taylor’s measurables won’t impress anyone, and he’s 24 years old. So you’re only going to get one contract out of him. The reason he will succeed, despite those drawbacks, is that he is really good at playing running back. He runs with vision and feel to get more yardage than is blocked for him. Despite his size, he brings exceptional power and contact balance to run through tacklers, making him a YAC weapon and a good option in short yardage and goal line situations. He is a productive receiver out of the slot and the backfield. He only fumbled twice in 675 touches in college (0.3% fumble rate!). And he is good at picking up blitzers in pass protection.

Despite the measurables, Taylor profiles as a three down back with the thunder to complement Bill Croskey-Merritt’s lightning in the backfield. He is a good bet to outperform his draft position in the 7^th round; and should be on AP’s speed dial in case he’s available after the draft. That’s the same thing I said about Bill last year.

Could have picked: ED Keyshawn James-Newby (New Mexico)

SamInBrisVegas Pick: LB Red Murdock (Buffalo); alternatively Keyshawn James-Newby, J’Mari Taylor

13. Kicker – Trey Smack, Senior, Florida

6-1 | 188 lbs | Age 22

Consensus Rank: 287

Commanders Meeting: East-West Shrine, Team Pro Day

This is the first time the Little Board has featured a place kicker and, for the love of God, I hope it’s the last. The place kicker is usually a team’s top scorer, and is often called on to decide games. But I just can’t get excited about them.

However, there comes a time when a team needs to draft a kicker, and we are well past it. I usually scoff at the idea of drafting for need. But we’ve reached the point of absurdity if we’re placing our hopes on the 8^th reclamation project in two years to right the ship.

Trey smacked in 5/6 attempts from 50+ in 2025 and made 76.9% of 13 attempts from 50+ in three seasons at Florida. According to Lance Zeirlein, he has a strong leg and a repeatable process, with good loft, which allows him to connect from far out without having to lower his trajectory. That’s good enough for me.

Could have picked: Smack is the only kicker I’d draft in this class.

SamInBrisVegas Pick: Sometimes Dad has crazy takes – Jaffer Murphy (UTSA) is the pick. He makes kicks from 70 yards and chases down kick returners. Commanders were all over him at the UTSA Pro Day. Dad’s too hung up on his total college production being one extra point. He’s going to be a star in Burgundy and Gold.

The 2026 Bris Vegas Washington Commanders Little Board

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