Less than a season after making it to the NFC title game under a then-new head coach and rookie quarterback, the Washington Commanders had a very disappointing 2025 season. Injuries to impact players played a large factor in Washington failing to meet expectations, yet weaknesses were exposed, especially on defense, where the Commanders boast one of the worst units in the NFL. The team has just two selections in the initial 125 picks due to the Laremy Tunsil trade.

Commanders’ needs ahead of the 2026 NFL season

1) Edge Rusher:

The Commanders presently start a pair of well-known defensive ends (Javontae Jean-Baptiste and Dorance Armstrong) who have combined for 6.5 sacks this season.

Armstrong, who has one year left on his contract, was lost to injury after seven games and was credited with 5.5 sacks before being sidelined.

2) Cornerback:

Washington is still smarting from wasting the 16th pick of the 2023 draft on Emmanuel Forbes Jr., who lasted just a year and a half with the team. Mike Sainristil, a talented but small corner, is best at nickel back. However, he has been forced to the outside. Marshon Lattimore, acquired from the Saints in a trade last November, is presently on IR and could be a cap casualty.

3) Running Back:

Some would argue that linebacker and receiver are bigger needs, yet the Commanders are going with running back by committee and lack a true feature ball carrier.

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Washington Commanders’ Mock Draft:

ROUND 1: Jeremiyah Love/RB/Notre Dame

An edge rusher like David Bailey received heavy consideration with this pick, as would Keldric Faulk or Rueben Bain Jr. if either happens to fall. Love is the feature runner the offense needs and immediately takes the pressure off Jayden Daniels. But the concern is, he is the Chiefs’ offensive target, too, in the first round.

The Chiefs have survived at running back, but it’s far from ideal. They’ve managed to get by with Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco, yet there are clear limits. The backfield lacks consistency. That’s where Love comes in. He would give Kansas City a younger option with fresh legs, real power, and more explosion, while also helping in the passing game. So, for both the Commanders and the Chiefs, he is one of the significant targets, as he raises the ceiling of the run game instead of just helping the team scrape by.

ROUND 3: Derrick Moore/Edge/Michigan

Moore is an underrated edge rusher who perfectly fits the four-man line employed by Dan Quinn.

He’s explosive as well as strong and comes with growth potential, which will only improve his run defense.

ROUND 5: Barion Brown/WR/LSU

Brown has been consistent throughout his four-year college career, first with Kentucky and then this past season at LSU.

He’s slightly undersized yet runs good routes and catches everything thrown in his direction.