Commanders land shocking Bobby Wagner successor in 2026 mock draft

The Washington Commanders have the NFL's oldest roster in 2025. This is a direct result of some woeful drafting from Ron Rivera over his four years with the club, which forced general manager Adam Peters to rely on proven experience until he stacks up his own choices from the college ranks.

It'll be a couple more years before the average age drops in Washington. And that's if Peters manages to hit on the majority of his draft choices, which isn't a lock by any stretch of the imagination.

One of the oldest players still occupying a starting berth is Bobby Wagner. The future Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker remains a stout presence against the run. His 91.4 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus ranks first among all second-level players right now. However, he's 35 years old and becoming a liability in coverage.

Commanders select heir to Bobby Wagner's throne in 2026 mock draft

Peters would be wise to examine long-term replacements when the 2026 NFL Draft rolls around. James Fragoza from Pro Football and Sports Network agrees, placing Georgia linebacker C.J. Allen with the Commanders in his latest mock before Week 3 of the college football campaign.

C.J. Allen is as athletic as Anthony Hill Jr., but he’s a much more domineering presence in the middle of a defense. Opposing ball carriers will feel every one of his tackles, and QBs will need a few seconds to get up if they don’t see his blitz coming. A bit of a throwback thumping LB, Allen also has enough movement skills to hold his own in coverage.James Fragoza

Allen is your classic physical presence at the defensive second level. He plays with the urgency and aggression typically associated with defenders in head coach Dan Quinn's scheme. There's an old school way in which the prospect goes about his business, so it's not difficult to see why the Commanders could become enamored with him during the pre-draft assessment stage.

There's a chance Allen could stay for his senior season with the Bulldogs. But if it looks like he's going to get a first-round grade from teams, he'd be wise to take his chances at the pros immediately. And if his dominant performances for Georgia continue, the Commanders won't be the only team looking to examine his credentials in greater detail.

Wagner could get another one-year deal if he wants to continue his playing career. But unless Jordan Magee or Kain Medrano show the improvements needed, Allen can become the heir to his throne.

A lot can and will change by the draft, but it wouldn't be surprising to see Allen on the Commanders' shortlist.