Washington Commanders draft picks tracker: Updated list of 2026 selections, next pick predictions originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Last year marked a fall from grace for Commanders fans. Just one year after making the conference championships, the Commanders fell to just 5-12, finishing third in the NFC East.
But there is one bright side to this rocky season. The Commanders go from the No. 29 pick to the No. 7 pick in the first round of this year's NFL Draft.
Washington has relied heavily on recent draft classes, especially with someone like Jayden Daniels, drafted in 2024. The Commanders remain a young team that is looking to build around core pieces. With the No. 7 pick this year, Washington can certainly find another core piece.
The Sporting News is tracking each of the Commanders' 2026 NFL Draft selections, from the first through the seventh round.
The Commanders will select 6 players in the 2026 NFL Draft:
NFL DRAFT RANKINGS 2026:QBs | WRs | TEs | EDGE | RBs
Expand the run game: It's hard to imagine a world where the Commanders front office doesn't have Jeremiyah Love circled on their big board. Should the Notre Dame RB be on the board at No. 7, he will likely be the Commanders' first-round selection. Otherwise, they may settle for someone like Jonah Coleman later on. Either way, with 2025 seventh-rounder Jacory Croskey-Merritt being the RB1 in Washington currently, look for another RB to be valued highly.
Look for new passing targets: The Commanders were in the bottom 10 in the league last season in passing yards, with wide receiver being the most likely position to target. This could be a day two or three selection in Washington, since having more passing threats on the offensive end would serve to help Jayden Daniels a great deal.
Bolster the passing defense: Washington allowed the fifth-most passing yards out of any team in 2025. There could be a strong consideration to look at cornerbacks in the first few picks to bolster their defensive unit.
MORE: Why Jeremiyah Love could be the safest pick in this year's draft
Here's a look at who the Commanders may select, based on the seven-round mock draft from SN's Vinnie Iyer.
The NFL Draft begins Thursday, April 23, at 8 p.m. ET.