2026 Washington Commanders Mock Draft: 7-Round Projection
Draft Capital: 6 picks | Overall Grade: B Last Updated: December 30, 2025Executive Summary
Washington Commanders enter the 2026 NFL Draft with 6 selections and critical needs at Edge Rusher, Wide Receiver, Running Back. This mock has them addressing their biggest weaknesses while maintaining draft value.
Complete Draft Class:---
Complete Pick-by-Pick Analysis
Pick #7 - Washington Commanders: Carnell Tate, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
Rank: #9 overall | Grade: A | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:Washington grabs Carnell Tate to address their second-ranked need with perhaps the best route-runner in this entire draft class. Tate's 6-3 frame, large catch radius, and advanced football intelligence made him the top receiver on Ohio State's national championship roster. The Commanders are adding a true number-one target who wins with savvy and technique rather than pure speed.
The Fit:Tate's ability to align anywhere—X, Z, or slot—and his elite contested-catch skills give Washington's quarterback a reliable target who makes the difficult look routine. His route nuance and body control create separation against any coverage, while his national championship experience suggests he won't wilt in pressure moments. The lack of explosive first-step speed is a concern, but his technical prowess compensates for physical limitations.
Scouting Report:If Carnell Tate was off the board, Washington Commanders could target similar Wide Receivers in the top 10 range.
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Pick #71 - Washington Commanders: Gabe Jacas, Edge Rusher, Illinois
Rank: #69 overall | Grade: B- | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:Washington addresses their top need by selecting Gabe Jacas, whose wrestling background and Feldman Freaks List appearance at #69 signal the rare combination of strength and technique that creates NFL edge rushers. Jacas' 74 tackles, 13 TFLs, and 8 sacks in 2024 proved his freshman All-American promise was no fluke, and his bench-pressing 285 pounds for 22 reps at the combine will turn heads. The Commanders are betting his power translates to the professional level.
The Fit:Jacas' devastating hand placement and leverage from his wrestling foundation consistently frustrate offensive linemen at the point of attack, making him an immediate run defender. His relentless motor drives him through contact around blocks, and his big-game performances—9.5 TFLs and 5.5 sacks against top-25 teams—suggest he elevates against quality competition. The pass-rush arsenal beyond bull rush needs expansion, but his physical tools and scheme flexibility fit Washington's needs perfectly.
Scouting Report:If Gabe Jacas was off the board, Washington Commanders could target similar Edge Rushers in the Day 2-3 range.
See full Washington Commanders 7-round draft →---
Pick #145: Hezekiah Masses (Cornerback, California) - Grade C. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #187: Quintrevion Wisner (Running Back, Texas) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #197: Tristan Leigh (Offensive Tackle, Clemson) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #223: Amare Thomas (Wide Receiver, Houston) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential.---
Washington Commanders Draft Class Summary
Overall Grade: B What Went Right:---
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