The Washington Commanders are in an interesting spot as we approach the 2026 NFL Draft.
The team is coming off a disappointing five-win season in 2025, but there's reason to believe it isn't far away from competing again. The defense was a major issue last year, but significant resources were invested in that side of the ball in free agency.
Still, many mock drafts have the Commanders adding a defender with the No. 7 pick. If it's not a defender, many assume the Commanders will want to trade back to accumulate more picks. However, it's possible the team's biggest goal should be something else entirely- getting another elite playmaker for Jayden Daniels.
Currently, Terry McLaurin is the only elite weapon the team has on offense. The additions of tight end Chig Okonkwo and running back Rachaad White are nice but probably don't move the needle. With the seventh pick, the Commanders will likely have the chance to add an elite running back or wide receiver, and that may be tough to pass up.
NFL.com's Gennaro Filice recently identified the one goal each NFC team must achieve in this draft. For the Commanders, Filice insisted that adding a weapon for Daniels should be the main priority.
Filice offered the following regarding the Commanders:
Outside of certified WR1 Terry McLaurin, who are the real difference-making weapons on Washington’s offense? RB Rachaad White and TE Chig Okonkwo were solid additions in free agency, but neither keeps opposing defensive coordinators up at night. Coming off an injury-riddled sophomore regression, Jayden Daniels needs more playmakers at his disposal. Unfortunately, the team only has two picks in the first four rounds. Could RB Jeremiyah Love possibly fall to the Commanders at No. 7? Seems unlikely. But Washington could have its pick of the WR litter at that juncture.
As Filice mentioned, the Commanders can't go into the season with McLaurin as their only weapon. It will probably be hard to get an impactful offensive player after the first round considering the team doesn't have a second or fourth-round selection.
The team would likely love for star running back Jeremiyah Love to fall to them, but that's far from a guarantee. There should be plenty of options at wide receiver, though, with Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon, and Jordyn Tyson all expected to go in the top half of the first round.
If Love is gone and the team can't trade back, expect one of these receivers to be the pick.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: One goal they must achieve in 2026 NFL Draft