The NFL is less than a week away from the 2026 NFL Draft. Teams will gather with fans in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for one of sports’ greatest spectacles not played on the field.
Teams have worked on this draft since the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft. A full year of scouting, evaluating, and projecting college football talent has led to this latest chapter in NFL history.
The Washington Commanders took a disappointing step back in 2025. After Jayden Daniels’ sensational rookie season, injuries limited him throughout the year, and the team finished 5–12.
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His absence played a major role in that decline, but the Commanders’ defense also regressed significantly.
After ranking 18th in points allowed in 2024, the unit fell to 27th in 2025. Head coach Dan Quinn, a defensive-minded leader, will likely target reinforcements on that side of the ball in this draft.
He may get his wish. Reports suggest the Commanders plan to select the best available defensive player with the ninth overall pick.
Who will that be? It’s anyone’s guess. Teams guard their draft boards closely, and the Commanders are no exception.
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Ohio State standouts Caleb Downs and Sonny Styles have emerged as two of the most intriguing names linked to Washington. Both defenders possess elite talent and could anchor the Commanders’ defense for years to come.
Miami (FL) EDGE rusher Rueben Bain Jr. has also drawn attention as a potential target, though some concerns make his projection less certain.
Regardless, prioritizing defense would be a smart move. The Commanders surrendered 55 points in the 2024 NFC Championship Game, despite Daniels leading an offense that scored 23.
A stronger defense could push Washington back into Super Bowl contention in 2026. The question remains: which prospect will become the cornerstone of that turnaround?
