The Washington Commanders met with several top NFL Draft candidates, including running back Jeremiyah Love as head coach Dan Quinn talks about the possibility of drafting a back that early.
Day one of interviews at the NFL Combine led the Washington Commanders to meet with several candidates with the several seventh overall pick on Wednesday.
Texas Tech edge David Bailey was among the first prospects to confirm a meeting with the Commanders, later noting his desire to play any position in Washington.
"I'm willing to do anything for them. Pass rusher, special teams, anything. I'm just grateful for the opportunity," Bailey said when asked about Washington's interest.
Bailey has remained a top candidate for Washington given the natural fit at a premium position of need, but the biggest question is whether he remains available when it comes time for general manager Adam Peters to solidify his pick. The Texas Tech product has drawn increased buzz as the first edge rusher to be taken off the board with some mock drafts pointing to him as a top five pick after leading the country in sacks (14.5) in 2025.
Bailey is one of several top edge rushers, while Miami (FL) defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr has maintained buzz as one of the top prospects despite questions about his arm length. General manager Adam Peters pointed to the player's profile and usage as a more impactful indicator than sheer arm length, adding "it's also how they use it and how it comes out on the tape." It didn't prove to be as much of an issue for Bain in college after recording 9.5 sacks in 2025 and 20.5 over his three-year career, but it's led to questions whether the dominant defensive prospect better fits as an interior defensive lineman at the next level.
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles is one of a trio of Buckeyes who have been linked to the Commanders in mock drafts through the offseason as he also confirmed a visit with the Commanders. It's also worth noting that Styles reportedly told teams that he sees himself as an edge/outside linebacker, where some have viewed him as the best fit in the NFL. He wouldn’t be the only one as the Commanders also interviewed Styles’ teammate, safety Caleb Downs, along with LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane with the secondary a major need.
But maybe the most noteworthy is Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, who also interviewed with the Commanders, per JP Finlay.
The former star Notre Dame running back has drawn increased discussions within the fanbase as an explosive weapon who can impact the Commanders' offense, especially in a shift to an under center philosophy under new coordinator David Blough and one running back under contract in Jacory Croskey-Merritt with acquisitions an obvious expectation. Adding a player in Love, who ranked within the top five with the most 30+, 40+ , 50+ and 60+ yard runs in 2025, would add the explosiveness that head coach Dan Quinn has routinely referenced this offseason, including in an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show on Tuesday.
"Who are the guys that can help impact your team? I think our league has changed a little bit over the last few years into that way when you see guys who can absolutely make impactful plays to do things," Quinn said when asked about Love. "That's really what you're looking for. How does somebody impact the team in a great way? And sometimes that's through running back."
Washington also met with both Oklahoma defensive end R Mason Thomas and LSU linebacker Harold Perkins, who are viewed as a likely day two picks. Washington was also among the several teams who met with North Carolina Central running back Chris Mosley at the HBCU Legacy Bowl, who eclipsed 1,000 yards rushing and eight touchdowns while averaging 5.4 yards per carry.