There is a long way to go and a lot of football to come before the 2026 NFL Draft. But make no mistake, general manager Adam Peters' accomplished front-office staff will already be analyzing college football's latest stars before the all-important assessment process.
The Washington Commanders don't have much in the way of picks once again. They are slated to have just five selections after some frantic trade activity during the offseason. That reduces the margin for error, but Peters has already proven capable of doing more with less.
Needs will change depending on how things unfold in the coming months. But for now, we took a look at some early perceptions in a seven-round 2026 mock draft using the Pro Football Network simulator.
Bobby Wagner is a phenomenal player, but he isn't getting any younger. The Commanders need to find a long-term replacement for the future Pro Football Hall of Famer. Adding Anthony Hill Jr. would solve more problems than one.
Hill is a dynamic second-level presence. The Texas standout is explosive to the contact point, is a legitimate sideline-to-sideline presence, and can make things happen in pass-rushing situations. Placing him next to Frankie Luvu would instantly be a ferocious tandem if this is Wagner's final season.
The Commanders don't have a second-round pick after the Laremy Tunsil trade. They are also in desperate need of more explosive pass rushers unless someone comes to the fore this season.
Mikail Kamara is an intriguing prospect. He's a little undersized but has the versatility needed to make a difference. This is also the sort of athletic defensive threat the Commanders have had success with under Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.
Stability at the running back position could be among Washington's biggest priorities next spring. Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler, Jeremy McNichols, and Chris Rodriguez Jr. all got another go-around, but they are in the final year of their respective deals. Jacory Croskey-Merritt has promise, but it remains to be seen whether he can become a long-term threat.
Kanye Udoh blazed a trail in 2024 at Army. If the same occurs after transferring to Arizona State, he'll be someone NFL scouts will examine in greater detail.
No team should ever settle when it comes to the offensive line. The Commanders' starting five looks solid once Sam Cosmi returns from a torn ACL, but the depth behind them could use a fresh injection of energy.
Giovanni El-Hadi represents that. The Michigan prospect is a physical, bruising figure with enough athleticism to carve out a successful career. There is some work ahead from a technical standpoint, so how he develops this season is crucial.
The cornerback room could be an area of strength for the Commanders next season, especially if four-time Pro Bowler Marshon Lattimore returns to form. But with Jonathan Jones and Noah Igbinoghene in contract years, reinforcements might be needed in 2026.
Jeadyn Lukus is a sound athlete with some decent production over his three seasons at Clemson so far. He's got the size typically associated with Quinn's defensive backs, and he's a fluid mover for a cornerback his size.
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