The Washington Commanders went from being in the NFC Championship in the 2024 season to picking in the top 10 (again) of the NFL Draft. Injuries took their toll last season for the Commanders, but based on where the roster was when they inherited it in 2024, GM Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn still had plenty of work to do.
In the 2026 NFL Free Agency period, the Commanders have been absolutely on fire. They have completely revamped their defense at all three levels, starting with the addition of a few new pass rushers: Big money EDGE Odafe Oweh, former first-round pick K'Lavon Chaisson, and Charles Omenihu.
The Commanders also added the likes of Leo Chenal at the linebacker position and Nick Cross at the safety position, getting a couple of really physical, athletic players for Dan Quinn. But with the spending spree in the rearview, it's time to look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft. How will the Commanders follow up an impressive NFL Free Agency period?
Commanders keep attacking defense early in 2026 NFL Mock Draft
Round 1 | Pick 7: Caleb Downs, SAF, Ohio State
Simply put, Caleb Downs has been unanimously considered one of the best and safest picks in this draft class for a full year at this point. The only reason why he might fall on draft night is because of the way the NFL views the safety position in terms of overall value, but it also only takes one team to love a prospect this much.
Downs is a top-tier talent who can play anywhere in a defense. He's going to bring a presense immediately and will be able to pick up any defensive scheme with ease.
The Commanders need to continue adding on that side of the ball and Dan Quinn is one of those coaches who loves the safety position more than most.
Round 3 | Pick 71: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
The Commanders could be in the market for 1st-round receivers in this year's draft, and it wouldn't shock me to see this position addressed yet in free agency somehow.
They brought back a couple of guys like Treylon Burks, Dyami Brown, and even added Chig Okonkwo at the tight end position. He'll be a major factor in the passing game. But last season showed us all that the Commanders need more depth at receiver, and perhaps some options to build around going forward.
Antonio Williams has the type of ability after the catch that will really appeal to Adam Peters and his experience at Clemson will be a huge asset in his favor as well.
Round 5 | Pick 147: Beau Stephens, OL, Iowa
You can never have too many good offensive linemen, especially when you've got a chance to add a potential future starter on Day 3.
The Iowa Hawkeyes definitely know how to crank out NFL-caliber offensive line prospects, and Beau Stephens is another really solid one coming from Kirk Ferentz's program. He has shorter arms (under 32 inches), so he will be limited to the interior, but if David Blough is implementing more of the zone concepts, Stephens is a hand-in-glove fit for the offensive line depth.
Round 6 | Pick 187: Eli Heidenreich, WR, Navy
The Commanders are one of the teams you could really see getting creative on Day 3 with a player like Navy's Eli Heidenreich, because his versatility plays so well into the history of what Adam Peters has sought after.
Heidenreich was a weapon in all sorts of ways at Navy, taking the ball out of the backfield, catching passes, returning kicks -- you name it, he did it. He'll be one of the most interesting Day 3 picks regardless of where he ends up.
Round 6 | Pick 209: Lorenzo Styles Jr., CB, Ohio State
You're not going to find many players more tailored for special teams upside on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft than Ohio State cornerback Lorenzo Styles. At 6-foot-1, 194 pounds, Styles ran a blazing 4.24 in the 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine. He posted a 39-inch vertical jump and a ridiculous 1.49-second 10-yard split.
The size, speed, and explosiveness will have special teams coaches absolutely banging the table for this guy on Day 3 of the NFL Draft.
Round 7 | Pick 223: Tyreak Sapp, DL, Florida
Tyreak Sapp is said to lack positional clarity in his projection to the next level, but Dan Quinn is probably the right coach to get the most out of a player like that. He will float players from the edge to the interior and maximize talent regardless of size.
Sapp's production dipped in 2025 but he had 13 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles in 2024. This would be a fun Day 3 dart throw.