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: Matt Miller, ESPN
Selection: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU (March 30)
Analysis: After a disappointing 5-12 season, the Commanders need to restock at core positions. With Marshon Lattimore and Jonathan Jones departing this offseason, cornerback is high on that list. Washington brought in Amik Robertson to help on the inside, but it needs an elite shutdown corner. Delane did that better than anyone in the nation last season, allowing only 10 completions for 119 yards while showing a penchant for timely tackles and big plays. Despite being targeted only 36 times, Delane picked off two passes to show off his playmaking skills.
Expert: Mark Schofield, SB Nation
Selection: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (March 30)
Analysis: N/A
Expert: Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports
Selection: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (March 30)
Analysis: Bain feels like a Dan Quinn edge rusher, and this is still a position of need -- even after the Commanders signed Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson.
Expert: Robb Rang, FOX Sports
Selection: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame (March 30)
Analysis: If the Commanders are really serious about protecting Jayden Daniels, they'll insulate him with a dynamic runner and won't risk losing the opportunity to draft him by waiting until they are on the clock at No. 7 overall. With just six draft picks in 2026 (including no second-round selection), Washington would have to be bold, indeed, to make this move, likely having to trade not only this year's first round pick but next year's, as well.
Expert: Bleacher Report NFL Draft Scouting Department
Selection: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State (March 31)
Analysis: The Washington Commanders already feature two of the NFL's most physical and attacking linebackers after signing Leo Chenal in free agency to join Frankie Luvu. However, both are far better working downhill and being used as aggressive blitzers or rushers. Whereas, Ohio State's Sonny Styles is the most athletically gifted linebacker to ever enter the NFL ranks–which isn't hyperbole after posting a perfect relative athletic score at this year's NFL combine, according to Kent Lee Platte.
Expert: Justin Melo, Sports Illustrated
Selection: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State (March 30)
Analysis: Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles is among the more complete prospects in this class. The Washington Commanders could use his range and athleticism behind a reimagined defensive line that now has K'Lavon Chaisson and Odafe Oweh rushing the passer. The Commanders would be getting a top-three prospect with the seventh pick.
Expert: Charles Davis, NFL.com
Selection: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State (March 26)
Analysis: The Commanders must get younger and quicker on defense. The dynamic Styles could replace Bobby Wagner or learn from the six-time first-team All-Pro if Washington re-signs him.
Expert: Aryton Ostly, USA Today
Selection: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State (March 30)
Analysis: Washington has plenty of needs, but at this point in the draft, the team should take the best player available. Styles is a dynamic threat and the Commanders signed enough talent to shore up the edge position. Washington needs to get younger and more athletic on defense compared to a year ago and Styles certainly helps with both. In a division with potent running games in Philadelphia and Dallas, Washington needs a player like Styles on defense to wreak some havoc.
Expert: Keith Sanchez, The Draft Network
Selection: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State (March 30)
Analysis: This past season highlighted just how many holes this Washington Commanders team has, both offensively and defensively. And while the Commanders could opt to improve this defense, they go for the WR position and draft another Buckeye WR to pair with Terry McLaurin. Carnell Tate is the perfect option to be a complementary piece for McLaurin.
