Could the Washington Commanders add value to the wide receiver room on day two of the 2026 NFL DrafT?
The big signings of free agency have come and gone. Now it’s time to turn our attention to the Draft and who could be the newest members of the Commanders. While the main storyline will focus on the seventh overall pick, the players taken in the later rounds could be the difference between a good draft and a great one.
The Commanders were busy in free agency, taking care of most of their needs, while the Draft will be used for building up depth for the future. One position to keep an eye on is wide receiver, and USC’s Ja’Kobi Lane is a name to know.
While his teammate Makai Lemon has gotten all the spotlight, Lane himself is a talented player who is a potential steal for anyone looking for a big red zone threat. He measured at 6-foot-4, 200 pounds at the scouting combine, while running a 4.47 40 and placed top ten in both the broad and vertical jumps. Washington doesn’t have a true red zone threat at receiver at the moment, but Lane fits the profile of one.
After only catching seven passes in his first year as a Trojan, Lane broke out in 2024, having 12 touchdowns on just 43 catches. While his touchdowns dropped to four in 2025, he did have a career-high 49 catches and 745 receiving yards. Lane went over 100 yards three times last year, including an insane 115-yard performance against Illinois on just three catches.
While not the number one at USC, Lane still provides great value, being a bigger receiver who can go up for a pass and is faster than people might think. Teams will value his threat in the red zone and look for mismatches to give him an advantage. His adjustment to the ball is top-notch, and he has the hands to make the tough catches. Lane has also frustrated would-be tacklers after the catch, slipping out of their grasp before they can get a hand on him.
While he can beat corners with speed, it comes with some issues breaking off on certain routes. Lane should also focus on getting off press coverage, as he’s had problems getting off contact.
Lane has drawn buzz as a potential day two pick, giving the Commanders a viable option at 71 should the first round materialize into a non-wide receiver selection. Capable of lining opposite of veteran Terry McLaurin, Lane could be the sneaky sleeper pick who can add value in Washington.