Seven different picks by eight outlets on what the Washington Commanders should do with the seventh overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
Projections and mock drafts reset on Monday with the Shrine Bowl and Senior Bowl now complete with attention now turned to pro days through the spring into the 2026 NFL Draft, set to kick off with round one on April 23. What compensatory picks the Commanders receiver remains to be seen with six draft picks, including two across the first two days, to work with across the three days as things stand heading into February.
What direction the Commanders go is generally clear with the defensive side of the ball expected to take priority with the seventh overall pick. But which player the Commanders should go after? That's as much of a debate as it's ever been. Across seven updated NFL mock drafts through the weekend into Monday, Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey was the only repeat selection with just two experts projecting the pick.
Connor Hughes, SNY: Clemson DL Peter Woods
Nick Baumgardner & Scott Dochterman, The Athletic: Texas Tech edge David Bailey
Danny Kelly, The Ringer: Texas Tech edge David Bailey
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: Auburn edge Keldrick Faulk
Ben Standig, Substack: Miami (FL) DL Rueben Bain Jr.
Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports: Clemson edge TJ Parker
PFF: Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese
Matt Miller, ESPN: Ohio State safety Caleb Downs
What's also clear is the focus on updating the front seven with the expectation that head coach Dan Quinn also adds a specialist to the coaching staff to focus on the front seven in 2026. The lone exception to the latest round of projections is Matt Miller's projection for the Commanders to select Caleb Downs with the seventh overall pick, who has been a popular pick through the second half of the season.
Both the cornerback and safety rooms will need major upgrade as the selection of Downs would give the Commanders a difference maker along the back line. It's as much of a need for a Washington defense that needs major upgrades under first-year defensive coordinator Daronte Jones, who will put a premium on takeaways thanks to his proven track record of producing exactly that with the Minnesota Vikings.
Others have questioned whether offense should be under consideration with the seventh overall pick, noting the obvious need to add playmakers around quarterback Jayden Daniels. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin, set to turn 31 at the start of the 2026 season, returns as a familiar piece for Daniels while running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt will look to build on a rookie season with sparks and highlights. Left tackle Laremy Tunsil is another key storyline as an extension candidate for the Commanders this offseason, but beyond that, Washington doesn't have much - especially if Deebo Samuel departs as it growingly appears.
How general manager Adam Peters also addresses limited draft capital, ranked 27th in the league, ahead of April's draft is another question mark given the focus for Washington to get younger this offseason. But exactly who will make the Commanders younger in the first round remains split with several candidates to address the long list of needs.