The Washington Commanders are either showing interest of have met with four NFL Draft prospects expected to come off the board after the first round
While free agency continues to dominate the headlines, the Washington Commanders remain focused on scouting the prospects available in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft with pro days underway across the country.
Oregon WR Malik Benson
After beginning his career at Alabama then transferring to Florida State in 2024, the former Ducks star reportedly had a one-on-one interview with the Commanders alongside the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers during his pro day this week. The 6-foot-1 Kansas native is coming off a 2025 season where he became a bigger part of the Ducks' wide receiver room after losing Evan Stewart to season-ending injury, posting 43 catches for 719 receiving yards and six touchdowns - all new career highs - in his lone season with the program. Benson also ran a 4.37 in the 40 yard dash and a 32.5-inch vertical jump at the NFL scouting combine.
Oklahoma DL Gracen Halton
The Commanders were reportedly one of three teams to virtually meet with the 6-foot-2, 292 pound interior defensive lineman after a productive 2025 campaign. Seven of his ten career starts came in 2025 after finishing with 33 tackles, 3.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss en route to an All SEC second team selection by the Associated Press as a senior. He also posted a 4.82 second in the 40 yard dash and 4.79 seconds in the shuttle at the NFL scouting combine, fueling buzz as a potential day three selection.
South Carolina safety Jalen Kilgore
While there could be multiple South Carolina defensive backs who become draft picks next month, Kilgore has drawn buzz as an underrated defensive back prospect after a stellar three year career. Kilgore amassed eight interceptions through his college career including five in 2024. Whether Kilgore, ranked the eighth-best safety in the draft in ESPN's positional rankings, remains available when it comes time for the Commanders to make their pitch with the 71st overall pick is the biggest question with Kilgore a possible round two pick. But the expectation is that Kilgore materializes into a day two pick. Kilgore also ran a 4.40 second in the 40 yard dash and posted 16 reps on bench press during the NFL scouting combine.
Oregon RB Noah Whittington
Though not healthy after suffering turf toe last year, the Commanders join the Kansas City Chiefs and Chicago Bears as teams showing interest. Despite spending six seasons in college, Whittington never recorded a 1,000 rushing season, but he did post six rushing touchdowns in each of his last two seasons with the Ducks including 6.4 yards per carry in 2025. He also added a threat out of the backfield with at least ten catches in each of his last five seasons while combining for three receiving touchdowns over his last two years.