The Washington Commanders have reportedly worked out one first round candidate, are set to be in attendance for a massive Pro Day on Wednesday, set another top-30 visit with a Buckeye while adding depth to the offensive line with a free agent signing.
With free agency winding down, the 2026 NFL Draft inching closer and Pro Days in full swing, the latest notebook surrounding the Washington Commanders.
Big Ten WR...with the evaluations ongoing and time ticking until the start of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Washington Commanders reportedly got an up close look at USC wide receiver Makai Lemon after hosting him for a workout last week, per multiple reports. Lemon was among the first prospects to reportedly set a top-30 visit with Washington. Lemon also worked out for the Saints on Tuesday after also working out with the Cleveland Browns and Tennessee Titans, continuing his tour as a potential top ten candidate with all four mentioned teams drafting within that range. Lemon could be a fit as a slot receiver if the assumption holds true that the Commanders eventually sign Brandon Aiyuk, giving quarterback Jayden Daniels electric options in the passing game alongside veteran Terry McLaurin and new tight end Chig Okonkwo. In his third and final season at USC, it was Lemon who was named the Biletnikoff Award in 2025 after posting 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns on 79 catches as a YAC machine.
Big Pro Day...but Lemon marks the latest draft prospect to meet with Washington with a chance that the staff gets a closer look at multiple top draft prospects when Ohio State hosts their Pro Day on Wednesday with wide receiver Carnell Tate, safety Caleb Downs and edge rushers Sonny Styles and Carnell Tate all viewed as likely top draft picks. And Washington will be well represented. Per Ryan Fowler, general manager Adam Peters, assistant general manager Lance Newmark, head coach Dan Quinn, offensive coordinator David Blough and defensive coordinator Daronte Jones are all expected to be in attendance with a full-out effort to get all eyes on the elite draft prospects who fit positions of need, including Tate, who drew buzz as an ideal fit in Washington. There's also another Buckeye who has a top-30 visit also set.
Top-30 visit...the Washington Commanders are reportedly set to host Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald on a top-30 visit. A 6-foot-2, 326-pound defensive tackle, McDonald is rated the top prospect at his position by ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. after notching 65 total tackles and nine TFLs. But Washington is also one of several teams to have met with or plan to meet with McDonald with the Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens and Chicago Bears all showing interest. It's an intriguing target given the Commanders have four interior defensive linemen on notable contracts including Daron Payne, who could be entering his final season. But whether McDonald materializes into a tangible and realistic target for a team with limited draft capital like Washington is the next question.
Another OL signed...the Commanders made another depth move after signing offensive lineman Foster Sarell, adding depth and familiarity to the tackle room. This marks his second stint with the team after serving on the practice squad in 2025 before being released during preseason, quickly being signed by the Los Angeles Chargers where he bounced between the practice squad and the active roster during the regular season. He began his career as an undrafted free agent on the practice squad with the Baltimore Ravens and New York Giants followed by a four-year stint with the Chargers.