The Washington Commanders enter the draft in an interesting position. After finishing the 2025 season with a 5–12 record and the 27th ranked defense, the front office made several aggressive moves in free agency to stabilize the roster around franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Washington added talent across the roster, bringing in players like Rachaad White, Jerome Ford, Chigoziem Okonkwo, and edge rusher Odafe Oweh. They also secured their blindside protection by extending Laremy Tunsil.
While those moves helped solidify depth, several clear weaknesses still remain, particularly at cornerback, interior defensive line, and the interior offensive line. With the NFC East loaded with elite receivers such as CeeDee Lamb, A. J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith, Washington must improve its secondary if it wants to compete in the division.
With that context in mind, this mock draft focuses on addressing the Commanders’ biggest needs while continuing to build around their young quarterback.
Round 1, Pick 7
CB Mansoor Delane (LSU)
Cornerback remains one of the Commanders’ biggest needs. After trading for and later moving on from Marshon Lattimore without securing a clear replacement in free agency, Washington still lacks a true outside shutdown corner.
If the top prospects like Love and Tate are off the board, selecting the best corner available makes perfect sense.
The NFC East receiver rooms are already dangerous and could get even stronger. Dallas now features a pairing of Lamb and George Pickens, Philadelphia still rolls out the elite tandem of Brown and Smith, and the Giants are almost certainly going to add another weapon alongside Malik Nabers.
Delane gives Washington a physical corner capable of matching up with those elite receivers while bringing immediate starter potential to a struggling secondary.
Round 3, Pick 71
HB Mike Washington Jr. (Arkansas)
The Commanders added running backs in free agency, and the backfield has several serviceable options. However, none of those players bring the explosive home run ability that Washington Jr. provides.
After running a blazing 4.3 forty-yard dash at the NFL Combine, Washington skyrocketed up draft boards and is widely expected to come off the board in the second round. If he somehow slips into the third, Washington would be getting a dynamic playmaker.
Washington Jr. gives the Commanders a legitimate big play threat out of the backfield and another weapon for Daniels in an offense built around speed and space.
Round 5, Pick 157
CB Ephesians Prysock (Washington)
While Mansoor Delane addresses the CB1 role, the Commanders still need depth on the outside.
Mike Sainristil is best utilized in the slot, leaving a gap at boundary corner. Prysock brings intriguing upside as a 6 foot 4 corner with impressive speed and length, giving Washington a developmental outside corner with starting potential.
His size alone makes him an interesting matchup weapon against the larger receivers in the NFC East.
Round 6, Pick 187
C Pat Coogan (Indiana)
The Commanders’ need at center is apparent, and addressing the interior offensive line is critical for the long term success of Jayden Daniels.
Coogan is a smart and technically sound player who could eventually develop into a reliable starter. While he may not be the flashiest pick, improving the offensive line is essential for protecting Washington’s young quarterback and keeping the offense on schedule.
Round 6, Pick 209
S Lorenzo Styles Jr. (Ohio State)
Styles is a burner with elite athleticism and range. His speed allows him to cover large portions of the field and provide help over the top in the secondary.
Washington could benefit from adding a safety with this type of range, especially with the defense needing more playmaking ability in the back end.
Styles gives the Commanders another young defensive back who could develop into a valuable rotational player or eventual starter.
Round 6, Pick 213
DT Skyler Gill-Howard (Texas Tech)
Gill-Howard is an intriguing interior defensive line prospect with significant upside.
Although slightly undersized, he plays with strong leverage and disruptive energy. Washington’s defensive interior still needs depth and rotational players who can collapse the pocket and generate interior pressure.
Gill-Howard has the tools to become a disruptive force inside if properly developed.
Round 7, Pick 223
WR Dane Key (Nebraska)
Dane Key adds an interesting dimension to the Commanders’ receiving corps.
He is a big, tall receiver with strong hands who can provide a reliable target in an open offensive system. While he may not be the fastest player in the class, his size and catch radius make him a potential red zone threat.
Going into last season he was viewed as a top WR in College Football, however after a disappointing season with Patrick Mahomes’ clone down in Nebraska, his stock has dropped significantly. It signals that this is a boom or bust pick but based on where the Commanders are at this point in the draft taking a flyer on a good traits prospect isn’t a horrible move.
Paired with Daniels’ ability to extend plays and find receivers downfield, Key could become a valuable weapon in Washington’s passing attack.
Final Thoughts
This draft focuses on addressing Washington’s most pressing needs while continuing to build around Jayden Daniels.
The Commanders improve their secondary with two cornerbacks, add explosiveness to the backfield, reinforce the offensive line, and add developmental pieces across the defense.
If this class develops the way Washington hopes, it could play a significant role in turning the Commanders into a more competitive team in the NFC East.
