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: Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA Today
Selection: Rueben Bain, EDGE, Miami (March 10)
Analysis: The Commanders made a significant commitment to jump-starting their pass rush by securing Odafe Oweh on a four-year, $100 million deal. But Washington might not be able to afford to stop there. Dan Quinn might not have the kind of qualms with Bain's arm length that others possess, as he'll take a difference-maker off the edge in whatever form one might come in.
Expert: Barkley Truax, On3.com
Selection: Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State (March 10)
Analysis: Since 2024, Arvell Reese has combined for 112 tackles for the Buckeyes. He finished 2025 with 69 combined tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. Since 2024, Arvell Reese has combined for 112 tackles for the Buckeyes. He finished 2025 with 69 combined tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.
Expert: Mark Schofield, SB Nation
Selection: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame (March 10)
Analysis: In nearly every single mock draft until this one, I slotted Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love to the Kansas City Chiefs with the ninth pick in the first round. The reasoning was simple: Kansas City needed to bolster their running game (even if Patrick Mahomes is back for Week 1), and Love was the best player at that position, and one of the best players in the entire class.
Expert: Field Yates, ESPN
Selection: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame (March 9)
Analysis: The Commanders landed one of the best free agent pass rushers in Odafe Oweh, which checks the box for their most pressing need and enables general manager Adam Peters to take my No. 2 prospect in this class. We can debate the merits of taking a running back early in perpetuity, but Love is a dynamic, dual-threat player who would instantly supercharge what was a middle-of-road backfield last season. Teaming up Love with Jayden Daniels could be a lot of fun.
Expert: Mark Morales-Smith, SI.com
Selection: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon (March 10)
Analysis: Sadiq is a special player. He'd be a great weapon for star quarterback Jayden Daniels, who will be looking to bounce back from injury in 2026.
Expert: Colin Cowherd, FOX Sports
Selection: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU (March 4)
Analysis: Best corner in the draft is out of LSU. … I think the Commanders, who have many issues — they were a really bad team against the pass. He excels outside the numbers in man coverage. I mean LSU has always been a cornerback and wide receiver factory. Great instincts, excellent length."
Expert: Travis May, AtoZ Sports
Selection: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State (March 8)
Analysis: Sonny Styles proved his unreal athleticism at the NFL Combine, and unlike most other linebackers, he actually tested in every event there (including the agility drills). Measuring in at 6-5, 244 pounds, Styles is an even more imposing physical force than his teammate Arvell Reese. There's even a chance now that he goes before him. However, in this mock draft, Styles falls to the Washington Commanders who could use a dynamic linebacker who thrives in space. Styles' experience as a former safety, elite speed, burst, and run pursuit should make him a plug-and-play star that immediately upgrades the Commanders' defense.
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: Max Chadwick, Pro Football Focus
Selection: Rueben Bain, EDGE, Miami (March 9)
Analysis: No Commanders edge rusher earned even a top-55 PFF overall grade this past season. Washington generally needs to inject serious talent into its defense after finishing in the bottom six in PFF grade in each of the past three seasons. Bain has short arms (30 7/8 inches), but he led the nation with 83 pressures this year and his 92.8 PFF overall grade ranked third.
Expert: Bucky Brooks, NFL.com/FOX Sports
Selection: Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State (March 9)
Analysis: Given head coach Dan Quinn's previous work with Micah Parsons, the Commanders are more than capable of unlocking Reese's talents as a disruptive defender. As an explosive playmaker with hybrid potential, the Ohio State star would energize the Commanders' lineup as a versatile weapon who can impact the game at the line of scrimmage or on the fringes of the box.
