The Washington Commanders are in a good position heading into next month’s 2026 NFL Draft. Picking No. 7 overall, a high-quality player at a position of need will fall to Washington. Which one? Well, that’s the beauty of this draft. Some of the best talents are at non-premium positions, such as running back Jeremiyah Love, safety Caleb Downs and linebacker Sonny Styles.
The Commanders were busy in free agency, adding a dozen outside free agents and re-signing some of their own, such as quarterback Marcus Mariota. Washington’s busy free agency puts them in a good position for the draft. General manager Adam Peters doesn’t need to be desperate with the seventh overall pick. Before free agency, the Commanders badly needed an edge rusher. However, they signed three in free agency, but only one is signed on a multi-year deal, leaving open the possibility that Washington could still select one in the first round.
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ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller recently released his first seven-round mock draft for 2026 and he has Washington going in a different direction in the first round.
Here are each of Miller’s picks with our analysis:
1st round, No. 7 overall: LSU CB Mansoor Delane
Miller's take:
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.
Commanders Wire:
Washington didn’t lose Lattimore; it released him. As far as Jones or Noah Igbinoghene go, the Commanders didn’t fight too hard to keep. Now, bringing in only Amik Robertson was a risky move. He can play, and he’s versatile. It’s a good start, but the Commanders need more help. Things will look a lot better here if Mike Sainristil bounces back from a rough second season. There is excitement about second-year cornerback Trey Amos. Delane is an excellent prospect, though, and would be a worthy pick. The combination of him, Sainristil and Amos would give Washington a young trio to build around for years to come.
3rd round, No. 71 overall: Notre Dame WR Malachi Fields
Miller's take:
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.
Commanders Wire:
Fields would give Washington something it lacks outside of Treylon Burks: size. At this pick, Fields would be a good selection for the Commanders. It looks even better assuming Washington eventually signs Brandon Aiyuk once the 49ers release him. If the Commanders do not add Aiyuk, adding Fields is not enough. While San Francisco probably hangs onto Aiyuk until after the draft, Washington has a pretty good idea if it can land him. If Peters feels its unlikely to happen, then a wide receiver is more likely in the first round.
5th round, No. 147 overall: Arkansas QB Taylor Green
A quarterback? Sure, why not? Jayden Daniels was injured multiple times last season. Once he signs an extension, the Commanders will no longer be able to afford Marcus Mariota as a backup. So, it makes sense to draft a potential long-term backup who’ll be cheap. Green possesses immense upside, as he stands 6-foot-6, weighs 227 pounds and runs a 4.36 40-yard dash. Green possesses a big arm, but he’s still a bit raw. He’s exactly the type of player you draft on Day 3 to stash and develop. And Washington wouldn’t have to change the offense if Daniels were to miss any time.
6th round, No. 187 overall: Michigan TE Marlin Klein
This one doesn’t make a ton of sense. The Commanders signed Chig Okonkwo and still have big plans for former second-round pick Ben Sinnott. John Bates is arguably the NFL’s best blocking tight end. Washington still loves Colson Yankoff and has spent all offseason talking up Lawrence Cager. This is a deep room. Would Klein even make the roster?
6th round, No. 209 overall: Maryland S Jalen Huskey
Washington signed Nick Cross in free agency, and he’s only 24 years old. So, in this instance, the Commanders land another Terp. Huskey is a productive and experienced player. He had 11 interceptions over the last three seasons. He doesn’t have a high upside due to limited athleticism, but he’s a quality player who will stick at the next level.
7th round, No. overall: Ohio State RB CJ Donaldson
Donaldson is a big running back (6-foot-2, 230) who played three seasons at West Virginia before transferring to Ohio State. He actually came to WVU as a tight end, so he can catch passes out of the backfield, which is a bonus as Washington looks to replace Austin Ekeler’s production. No, he isn’t at Ekeler’s level, but it is something he can do. Peters hit big on a seventh-round running back last season. Can he do it again?
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Defense leads way in new 7-round mock draft