Commanders load up around Jayden Daniels in aggressive 2026 mock draft move

Adam Peters won't be looking too far ahead right now. The Washington Commanders are 3-4 with a brutal stretch of games upcoming, so it'll be interesting to see how much fight this squad has left amid some ongoing injury problems.

If the Commanders lose their next three, they'll be 3-7. A season that promised much will fall by the wayside, and fans will inevitably begin to look at the offseason to see what personnel enhancements can be made.

This is also why the Commanders are in a tricky spot heading into the trade deadline. Peters is an aggressive roster builder, but sacrificing more capital when they have only six draft picks in 2026 is a gamble.

Regardless of whether Peters makes a trade or not, the Commanders have to get their first-round pick right next spring. They currently hold the No. 12 pick as things stand, and although their needs will change between now and the big weekend, some clues are already starting to emerge.

Commanders select USC receiver Makai Lemon in 2026 NFL mock draft

Ian Cummings from Pro Football and Sports Network believes Peters could go down the wide receiver route to provide Jayden Daniels with a long-term weapon. And his choice was USC's gifted playmaker Makai Lemon.

The Washington Commanders neglected the wide receiver position in the 2025 offseason, and now the cracks are starting to show in their passing game. Terry McLaurin is getting older, and the Commanders need a respectable complement sooner rather than later. Makai Lemon goes third off the board in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft, but he’s a definite WR1 candidate, specializing as a 1-on-1 winner and RAC specialist. At 5’11”, 195 pounds, his explosive, agile creation is reminiscent of Golden Tate, and he’s ice-cold at the catch point.Ian Cummings

This makes sense. Terry McLaurin is 30 years old and has already missed four games this season. Deebo Samuel Sr. and Noah Brown are out of contract. Luke McCaffrey and Jaylin Lane have promise, but their future outlook remains murky unless the required development arrives.

Adding Lemon would give the Commanders an explosive difference-maker. He's a versatile magician with the football in his hands. The prospect's dynamism and ability to create separation quickly make him a perfect fit for Kliff Kingsbury's offensive concepts. However, whether the play-caller is still in Washington by then is anyone's guess, with the next head-coach hiring cycle looming.

Adding an edge rusher is another strong option to consider. But considering the need to maximize Daniels' rookie contract (he becomes extension-eligible after the 2026 season), another wide receiver with high-end traits wouldn't be the worst idea in the world either.

Time will tell, but Peters will be keeping a close eye on developments in the coming weeks before forming his offseason strategy.