The 2025 season won’t be easy for the Washington Commanders. After a season that went 12-5 and surprisingly reached the NFC Championship Game, the Commanders finished the season with a 5-12 record and the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Last season’s success masked many of Washington’s flaws. Specifically, then-rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels masked many of those flaws. Due to injuries, Daniels only played seven games in 2025. Additionally, the Commanders have been hit hard by injuries on both sides of the ball. And, frankly, Washington’s defense isn’t talented enough.
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Washington has plenty of cap space to improve its free-agent roster. If the Commanders can fill some of the holes in free agency, they could go a lot of ways in April’s draft. While Washington has many needs, two stand out: wide receiver and edge rusher. Edge rusher is undoubtedly the team’s most important need.
The good news: The top needs at point guard align nicely with the strengths of the 2026 NFL Draft class. Sure, this might not be the strongest draft class, but Washington will be able to find quality players throughout the draft.
NFL Draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah will release his top 50 players this week. According to Jeremiah, his initial top 50 will include 11 receivers and eight rushers.
It seems questionable whether Washington would use the No. 7 pick on a receiver with so many holes on defense, but it all depends on the player. Generally speaking, Ohio State’s Carnell Tate, USC’s Ma’Kay Lemon and Arizona State’s Jordyn Thiessen are the only receivers considered for the top 10.
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As far as rushers go, David Bailey (Texas Tech) and Reuben Bane Jr. (Miami) lead the way. But others like TJ Parker (Clemson), Keldric Faulk (Auburn) and LB/EDGE Arvell Reese are all EDGE players who will be drafted in the first round. Washington will be able to draft a top player at No. 7. If it can find a trading partner, stepping back may be the right decision. Easier said than done.
If the Commanders can find a trade partner, this could be a good way to get back into the second round and walk away with a rusher and a receiver.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Needs meet strengths in 2026 NFL Draft
