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Commanders Patience Finally Pays Off In Explosive 2026 Mock Draft Move

Bonisiwe Shabane
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commanders patience finally pays off in explosive 2026 mock draft move

The Washington Commanders didn't select an edge rusher during the 2025 NFL Draft. That was a contentious issue among the fanbase, but one analyst believes this could be Adam Peters' biggest priority when next year's selection event rolls around. Peters played his board rather than focusing too much on need. That leaves the Commanders short of dependable pass-rushers, so it'll be interesting to see what the general manager has up his sleeve before Week 1 rolls around. Although the 2025 draft has barely concluded, that hasn't stopped those in the media from speculating who could potentially enter first-round consideration in 2026. The cycle never stops, not for writers or those working behind the scenes in Washington's front office.

Jordan Reid from ESPN had the Commanders picking at No. 26 overall in his early 2026 mock draft, which is based on current Super Bowl odds. The up-and-coming analyst had Washington selecting Oregon pass-rusher Matayo Uiagalelei, who brings the explosiveness, size, and versatility that Dan Quinn typically looks for. A lot can (and will) happen before the 2026 draft. Prospects will rise or fall based on their college production and subsequent testing. The Commanders' needs will change.

The ever-changing landscape with NIL means prospects like Uiagalelei might not even come out at the first time of asking. The Washington Commanders have relied heavily on veterans to steer them through the early stages of their exciting rebuild. However, that will change when general manager Adam Peters starts stacking good drafts. This was something the previous regime couldn't accomplish. Peters had to gut the roster and plug holes by any means necessary. The results speak for themselves, but the most sustainable way to build a perennial contender is through cheaper rookie contracts.

It's a necessary evil right now. But make no mistake, Peters will already be thinking of ways to improve the squad with his assets available in 2026. And according to Tankathon, there are seven draft picks at his disposal currently. The college football campaign is already at the midseason point. Jordan Reid from ESPN took this time to release his first mock draft of the cycle, and he had the Commanders picking Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq at No. 15 overall.

This would likely spell the end of Zach Ertz's time with the organization. The three-time Pro Bowler is still performing well, but like many influential figures in the Commanders' locker room, he is not getting any younger. A long-term solution needs to be found, and 2024 second-round pick Ben Sinnott remains an unknown quantity. Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters has his hands full this offseason. One year after the Commanders went 12-5 in Peters's first year as GM, they sit at 3-7 heading into Week 11 and look like they'll be picking inside the top 10 of the 2026... Washington needs it.

There are several holes on the roster that must be addressed. And the Commanders are already without second and fourth-round picks due to the Laremy Tunsil trade. The two most glaring needs for 2026 look like edge rusher and wide receiver. Depending on how this season concludes, the Commanders could have their pick between a top pass rusher and receiver. In a new mock draft from Josh Edwards of CBS Sports, the Commanders land arguably the top player in next year's draft at No. 8 overall: Miami edge Rueben Bain Jr.

Washington needs pass-rush help, and Rueben Bain fits the powerful profile Dan Quinn tends to favor. The Commanders did well to add veteran talent that could accelerate their timeline, but they got a bit too aggressive last offseason and over-leveraged their future. Now it's time to start replacing some of those veterans The 6-foot-3, 275-pound Bain is currently ranked as Edwards' top-ranked prospect for 2026. However, three quarterbacks helped push Bain to Washington at No. 8 in this mock.

In 31 career games at Miami, Bain has 98 tackles, 24 tackles for loss and 14 sacks. Many believe Bain's best football is ahead of him and the chance to work with a coach like Dan Quinn could unlock his vast potential. Copyright 2008-2026 Drafttek.com. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy Neither Drafttek.com or www.drafttek.com are affiliated in any manner with the National Football League.

Nor any National Football League Team, or any NFLPA player. There is a long way to go and a lot of football to come before the 2026 NFL Draft. But make no mistake, general manager Adam Peters' accomplished front-office staff will already be analyzing college football's latest stars before the all-important assessment process. The Washington Commanders don't have much in the way of picks once again. They are slated to have just five selections after some frantic trade activity during the offseason. That reduces the margin for error, but Peters has already proven capable of doing more with less.

Needs will change depending on how things unfold in the coming months. But for now, we took a look at some early perceptions in a seven-round 2026 mock draft using the Pro Football Network simulator. Bobby Wagner is a phenomenal player, but he isn't getting any younger. The Commanders need to find a long-term replacement for the future Pro Football Hall of Famer. Adding Anthony Hill Jr. would solve more problems than one.

Hill is a dynamic second-level presence. The Texas standout is explosive to the contact point, is a legitimate sideline-to-sideline presence, and can make things happen in pass-rushing situations. Placing him next to Frankie Luvu would instantly be a ferocious tandem if this is Wagner's final season. The Washington Commanders and their fans are gearing up for their most anticipated season to date after taking the NFL world by storm a season ago by making it to the NFC Championship game... Washington retooled their roster this offseason, nabbing key players on both sides of the ball through trades, free agency, and the NFL Draft in an attempt to strengthen their team to compete with their... The Commanders' draft might not have been all that jaw-dropping, but they added solid pieces depth-wise, with some having starting potential now or down the road in Josh Conerly Jr., Trey Amos, and Jaylin...

Fans will be paying close attention to their rookies once training camp rolls around in mid-July, but it is never too early to look at how the Commanders will finish this season, and when... According to ESPN draft expert Matt Miller, the Commanders will, unfortunately, fall short of their dreams of winning the Super Bowl. Miller has Washington exiting the playoffs in the divisional round and entering the 2026 NFL Draft with the 25th overall pick, in which he believes they will bolster their secondary, taking promising young cornerback... Harris out of Penn State.

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