Few teams had a more disappointing season than the 2025 Washington Commanders. Acing their draft class in the 2026 NFL Draft will be key in returning to their 2024 form.
Washington's 2024 season featured an outstanding rookie season from quarterback Jayden Daniels and a run to the NFC championship game. The 2025 season featured injuries to Daniels and lead wide receiver Terry McLaurin, among others, as well as a 5-12 record and no playoff berth.
The Commanders have started their offseason strong so far. Free agent edge rushers Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson, defensive lineman Tim Settle and linebacker Leo Chenal are solid defensive improvements. And off the field, Washington knocked the designs of their new uniforms out of the park.
2026 NFL DRAFT: Commanders make list of 10 NFL teams with most at stake
Ahead of the 2026 season, the Commanders still need to make a few more upgrades to their roster to set themselves up for another playoff run. Washington only has a couple of top-100 picks in this year's draft, so general manager Adam Peters has some work cut out for him.
Here's a closer look at the Commanders' 2026 NFL Draft outlook, including the picks they own, roster needs and potential best fits over the seven rounds of the draft:
1. Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana2. New York Jets – David Bailey, OLB/DE, Texas Tech
3. Arizona Cardinals – Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State
5. New York Giants – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
7. Washington Commanders – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
10. Cincinnati Bengals – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
11. Miami Dolphins – Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami (Fla.)
12. Dallas Cowboys – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)
13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
18. Minnesota Vikings – Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
22. Los Angeles Chargers – Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami (Fla.)