The Washington Commanders are taking a closer look at several first round draft prospects, including multiple Ohio State stars.
With a big week filled with Pro Days, notes around the Washington Commanders efforts both scouting and multiple meetings with first round draft prospects, including a trio of Buckeyes:
- With Ohio State's Pro Day officially complete with all 32 teams in attendance, the Washington Commanders are taking another look at, at least, two Buckeyes. Of course, that includes star wide receiver Carnell Tate, who now has a top-30 visit set and has been viewed as a consistent target for the Commanders with wide receiver partially addressed this offseason, though still void of a true threat opposite of Terry McLaurin. General manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn were among the large contingent of Commanders staffers in attendance on Wednesday with both spotted talking to Tate following his workout, electing not to run the 40 yard dash after it became a growing talking point coming out of the NFL Combine. Tate, a one-time obvious draft target during the season, has resurfaced as a realistic target for the Commanders with the seventh overall pick after addressing several needs via free agency.
- While the Commanders get a closer look at Tate, they'll also do the same with Buckeye edge rusher Sonny Styles after confirming on the Kay and Adams Show that he has upcoming meetings with both the Dallas Cowboys and Commanders. Styles has been consistently viewed as a top-ten draft prospect with some mock drafts projecting him to land in Washington once the offseason got underway. It was also reported that the Commanders had a "long talk" with safety Caleb Downs, who was also among the defensive prospects mocked to Washington in the closing weeks of the 2025 season into the offseason.
- Washington will also get a look at another wide receiver who is projected to land in the back half of the first round: Washington's Denzel Boston. After combining for seven catches through his first two seasons, the 6-foot-4 receiver proved to quietly be one of the Big Ten's best after pairing with quarterback Demond Williams Jr., combining for 1,715 yards and 20 touchdowns on 125 catches over his final two seasons.
- Offense isn't the only position of focus with the Commanders also set to meet with Notre Dame cornerback DeVonta Smith. After transferring in following four seasons at Alabama, Smith went on to start in five games and appear in eight where he notched three pass deflections and recovered one fumble. One glaring concern: Smith never recorded an interception during his five. year college career. But he adds value as a sticky nickel corner despite battling injuries in 2025.
- To the surprise of no one, the Commanders have drawn plenty of buzz with running back Jeremiyah Love with multiple outlets now pointing to the Heisman candidate as the team's selection at seven. Add Todd McShay to those fueling the fire after noting the Commanders have "a lot of interest" in Love, adding hope to what could be a feature back that's needed in the offense.