The views and opinions expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of the team.
In anticipation of the 2026 NFL Draft, which will be held April 23 - 25 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, here's a compilation of various league experts' predictions about what the Washington Commanders will do with the No. 7 overall pick. Check back weekly until the draft for more updates.
Expert: Nate Davis, USA Today
Selection: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State (March 2)
Analysis: Is he the best defender in this draft? Arguably. Can he play exceptionally in the slot, box or center field? Yep. And Washington could need a leader who can make plays behind the line given the potential departure of LB Bobby Wagner, who will be 36 next season, in free agency.
Expert: Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report
Selection: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (March 2)
Analysis: At Miami last season, he was easily one of the top two or three players in all of college football. He has explosive power and quickness to work up and down the line of scrimmage. His play is everything a team wants in a high first-round selection.
Expert: Jordan Reid, ESPN
Selection: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State (March 3)
Analysis: Downs is one of the smartest football players I've ever studied. His football IQ, versatility on the back end and sure tackling ability make him a worthy selection at this spot even though a safety hasn't been drafted in the top 10 since 2017 (Jamal Adams). Washington gave up a lot of explosive passing plays last season, with opponents averaging 8.1 yards per attempt (third worst in the NFL). The Commanders also had a mere eight interceptions in 2025, which was the fourth worst in the league. Downs could help them improve in both areas.
Expert: Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
Selection: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (March 2)
Analysis: This pick would fade the historical norm for edge defenders with shorter arms, but Bain can rush the passer and is a block destructor against the run. Just a damn-good football player.
Expert: Jaime Eisner, The Draft Network
Selection: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State (March 2)
Analysis: Sonny Styles is the kind of dynamic player the Commanders desperately need on the second level. He offers a rare combination of energy, versatility, and pass-rush ability. The fact that he's already excelled as the green dot for Ohio State proves he has the leadership and high football IQ to be an instant starter and the commander of the Washington defense. Styles wowed with his measurables and athleticism at the NFL Combine.
Expert: Nate Tice and Charles McDonald
Selection: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech (March 2)
Analysis: As tempting as it will be to add an offensive player of some kind here, with tasty options at offensive line, wide receiver, tight end and running back, the Commanders instead add firepower to a defense that has to get faster, younger and just straight up better. Bailey is an explosive pass rusher who is constantly attacking offensive tackles. He will never be a strong run defender, but he has long arms (measured at 33 ¾ inches at the combine) and has improved in that area. Bailey is the exact type of talent injection this defense needs.
Expert: Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports
Selection: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State (March 2)
Analysis: Could Reese fall to No. 7? It seems like a long shot, but if the Bills trade up for a WR, things can get interesting quickly. This is a best-case scenario for the Commanders, who have to upgrade their pass rush.
Expert: Trevor Sikkema, Pro Football Focus
Selection: Rueben Bain, EDGE, Miami (March 2)
Analysis: Bain measured in with short arms (sub-31 inches), but we already knew that would happen. That doesn't change his tape or the fact that he is one of the top three-down defensive linemen in the class. He would immediately be the biggest difference maker on the Commanders' defensive line after racking up the most pressures (83) in college football this past season.
Expert: Henry McKenna, FOX Sports
Selection: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State (Feb. 26)
Analysis: Dan Quinn was in Dallas when the Cowboys had the inspired idea to convert Micah Parsons into a pass-rusher. Can Quinn do it again with Reese?
Expert: Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News
Selection: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech (March 2)
Analysis: The Commanders should be prepared to jump on Bailey should he fall here after his freakish athletic profile was on display at the Combine. Dan Quinn needs this level of dynamic pass rusher who also has rare dropback coverage skills outside.
