It’s been a while since we’ve done a mock draft roundup, but with two weeks to go in the season, we’re back for another round. The Washington Commanders’ season has been a disaster and they currently sit at 4-11, and are projected to get the No. 7 overall pick in next year’s draft. There will obviously be a lot of changes again next year with 33 pending free agents, a lot of cap space, and 6 draft picks. Injuries have been a major problem this year, and they will need a big infusion of youth and talent next season.
This roundup has 36 mock drafts and 18 of them feature EDGE rushers. Miami’s Rueben Bain is the most popular selection for the Commanders with 10 mocks giving him to Washington. Texas’s David Bailey is also a popular choice, with six mocks sending him to D.C. Auburn’s Kevin Faulk rounds out the group with his name called twice for Washington this week.
Wide receiver and safety are tied for the next most popular positions for Washington’s first-round pick. Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson and Ohio State’s Carnell Tate are the top WR options, and Ohio State safety Caleb Downs is the only option at safety. Ohio State LB Arvell Reese is a popular pick who probably won’t be on the board when Washington picks.
Running back, defensive tackle, and cornerback round out the list this week, with Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love getting mocked twice to Washington. We’ve even got a trade up into the Top 5 to secure the Commanders most popular option.
Where will Washington pick, and who/what position should they take next year?
Trade: The Cleveland Browns send the 4th and 104th overall picks in the 2026 NFL Draft to the Washington Commanders for the 8th and 72nd overall picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, as well as a second-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft
Myles Garrett seems destined to set the single-season sack record in 2025, as he is now just 1.5 sacks away from setting it. But imagine a world where he had a tag team partner that took some pressure off him? The Browns have several edge rushers they have tried to pair him with, but none have had the talent of Rueben Bain Jr. Garrett would be able to dominate with fewer double teams, or he would remain the focus, and the Miami Hurricane could create their own set of devastation.
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
The Commanders have relied on an extremely veteran group of edge rushers this season, lacking a true difference-maker at the position. Von Miller leads Washington with six sacks at 36 years old. But there’s no better pure rusher in this class than Bailey, who had the second-most sacks (13.5) and pressures (62) in the FBS during his only season at Texas Tech. That makes for a good fit. Bailey’s first step puts offensive tackles on their heels in a hurry, and he has eight forced fumbles over the past two seasons.
Projected by some as a Super Bowl contender, Washington has suffered through as disappointing a season as any team in the NFL. While the injury to star quarterback Jayden Daniels certainly played a role, it was an aging defense that seemed to be the biggest culprit. Head coach Dan Quinn is a former defensive line coach, and with a handful of edge rushers set to enter free agency, I expect that he’ll push for reinforcements there. At a stubby 6-3, 260 pounds, Bain lacks ideal size, but he’s powerful and tenacious.
Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
The fall for Reese ends here, with a perfect match between him and the Commanders. Head coach Dan Quinn was the defensive coordinator in Dallas when Micah Parsons was drafted, helping develop the similarly hybrid middle linebacker and edge rusher into a dominant pass-rushing force.
With the Commanders’ pass rush lacking outside of the injured Dorance Armstrong Jr., Reese provides an immediate boost as a productive and versatile defender.
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
There is no team in this year’s draft that needs a true threat off the edge more than the Washington Commanders. And David Bailey has probably been the best all-around pass rusher in college football this season. The Commanders would probably sprint to the podium to turn in a card with his name on it and address their biggest weakness.
Rueben Bain won’t be every team’s cup of tea — because he is lacking ideal length — but his power and motor should appeal to head coach Dan Quinn. Washington has relied on stopgap options to pressure opposing quarterbacks and could finally address the position long term.
Rueben Bain won’t be every team’s cup of tea — because he is lacking ideal length — but his power and motor should appeal to head coach Dan Quinn. Washington has relied on stopgap options to pressure opposing quarterbacks and could finally address the position long term.
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
The Commanders need an injection of youth on defense, and the way this draft has played out gives them a plethora of options. Bailey has dominated off the edge this season, earning a 93.5 PFF pass-rush grade and producing a 21.6% PFF pass-rush win rate. There will be questions about his size, but he’s too good a pass rusher to fall out of the top 10.
Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
There’s a case to be made for a wide receiver here to help Jayden Daniels, but this defense needs so much help at every level. Faulk’s size, athleticism and versatility give him limitless upside at the next level, and he can line up everywhere along the defensive front. He could be the difference-maker the Commanders desperately need up front, and would be an ideal fit if they don’t trade down from this pick to replace some of their missing selections.
The Washington Commanders’ defense is an abomination. They require a total rehaul this offseason, with more playmakers needed at every level. Mansoor Delane is trending toward being CB1, and he could help make up for the Marshon Lattimore disaster.
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
An edge rusher like David Bailey received heavy consideration with this pick, but the Commanders are employing running back by committee and starting a lot of backups at the position. Love immediately takes the pressure off Jayden Daniels and improves the offense once he lines up for Washington. While the Kansas City Chiefs are also aiming to land Love, the Fighting Irish star may end up in Washington.
Bain burst onto draft boards with 7.5 sacks as a freshman in 2023. While he hasn’t been able to match those numbers — in no small part due to a season-long calf injury in 2024 — the 6-foot-3, 270-pound pass rusher looks every bit a game-wrecker on Sundays.
He’s explosive at every level, getting off the snap with power, winning with speed, an array of moves or straight-up bulk. Washington would have to refine his game, but he’d be a boon for a team whose current sack leader is a 36-year-old Von Miller.
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The Washington Commanders have had a season to forget, but they could get a blue-chip prospect with the seventh overall pick thanks to all the losing they have been doing. Jordyn Tyson could be a much-needed addition to the Commanders’ WR room, as the room definitely needs some more young talent.
Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
While Reese may get leapt by Bain in the draft, he won’t fall too far. He’s even more of an ideal fit for Washington, who simply needs youth and juice. Reese has the ability to come off the edge or stand up at linebacker, which is something that some evaluators may end up holding against him. I’m a believer in the value of that, though, especially with his unique frame and athleticism to potentially do both at a high level. Pairing him with Dan Quinn on the Commanders when the defense needs a shot in the arm makes too much sense.
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The most fundamentally sound player in this class, Downs will elevate the play of everyone around him in the secondary. He takes on a massive amount of responsibility and makes plays in every area of the field.
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
Reese is what a modern hybrid linebacker looks like. He can rush the passer, drop deep into coverage, or run sideline to sideline in the run game at a high level. His juice is exactly what the Commanders are missing in their front seven.
USA Today(Middlehurst-Schwatz)
Dan Quinn and Co. finally seemed to submit to a lost season, keeping Jayden Daniels from further harm by putting the star quarterback on ice until next season. For Washington to come anywhere close to reclaiming its status as an NFC contender, it will need to reinvigorate a front that has largely looked lifeless. While Bain’s burly build might spark some skepticism about whether he can be a prolific pass rusher off the edge in the NFL, Quinn might be able to look past that and to a skill set that enabled the 6-3, 275-pounder to become college football’s most consistent disruptive force.
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The Commanders need to get younger and more impactful in their defense after things fell apart in their secondary and around Bobby Wagner at linebacker. Downs is a terrific do-everything hybrid who would be set up to make a lot of big plays in Dan Quinn’s scheme.
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Safeties aren’t valued enough to occupy top picks, which will subsequently push Downs further down the board than his talent deserves. But wherever he’s picked, he figures to be an instant impact playmaker. Downs has tremendous range in the box, elite instincts, the versatility to play all across the backend and the ball skills to punish opposing quarterbacks for throwing his way. He’s a clean evaluation within scouting circles, and the Commanders, who need more pieces in their secondary, would benefit from his presence.
San Diego Union~Tribune(Brown)
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
There’s a chance Saints GM Mickey Loomis is fine with Tyler Shough being the starter next year after drafting him with the 40th overall pick in April’s draft, but if that’s the case, Loomis needs to surround Shough with more weapons on offense. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound playmaker has 838 yards and nine TDs on 48 receptions in 10 games so far, and is half of the best receiver duo in the country, opposite Jeremiah Smith. Tate has shown immense growth in his technical skills, especially his route running, which has transformed him from an explosive deep threat to a more complete receiver who can threaten a defense at all three levels. He’d pair nicely with former Buckeye Chris Olave. Top needs: QB, Edge, WR
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Washington’s defense is in desperate need of pass-rushing help.
Enter David Bailey.
It does not take long to see how Bailey’s game will translate to the next level. In fact, you just need to see his first step. The Texas Tech defender explodes off the ball, putting tackles in danger right after the snap. Take his sack against Oregon State, where he burst by the right tackle — swatting his hands with perfect timing — and was in the backfield before the quarterback even finished his drop. He also plays with a relentless motor, showcased on his first sack against Arizona State where he first barreled through a tight end trying to chip him, and then the left tackle who was given a head start, before getting home for the sack.
And his inside spin move, which he flashed for one of his three sacks against Kansas, is a thing of beauty.
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The Commanders have fielded one of the NFL’s three lowest-graded defenses for three straight seasons and badly need true difference-makers on that side of the ball. Downs fits that need perfectly, as he’s arguably the best player in the entire draft class. His 93.5 PFF grade since entering college in 2023 leads all Power Four safeties and highlights the rare impact he could bring to Washington’s secondary.
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Washington needs to get Jayden Daniels more help. Here’s a back to supercharge the ground game and provide better down-and-distance situations for Daniels.
In 2025, Love averaged 6.9 yards per carry for 1,372 yards with 18 touchdowns. He had 27 catches for 280 yards with three touchdowns receiving, and Love has blocked well in pass protection In 2024, Love had a breakout season for the Fighting Irish, producing a lot of clutch plays to help the Irish reach the National Championship. As a sophomore, Love averaged 6.9 yards per carry for 1,125 yards with 17 touchdowns. He also caught 28 passes for 237 yards. Love has a strong build and is a physical downhill runner. Love is a talented runner with speed and instincts. He reminds me of Nick Chubb at Georgia.
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
The Redskins have a poor defense, so they’ll need to find the best defender available at this pick to give Jayden Daniels more possessions. The Redskins have the slowest group of linebackers in the NFL.
Sonny Styles is a versatile linebacker who plays well in coverage.
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Terry McLaurin is joined by yet another Ohio State standout WR in Carnell Tate. Although Jeremiah Smith is all the rage in Columbus, Tate’s utter smoothness and technical skill at 6’3″, 195 pounds make him a no-brainer first-rounder.
His versatile skill set means he can operate from the slot, Z, or even X whenever called upon, opening up the offense for OC Kliff Kingsbury and QB Jayden Daniels.
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
While Bailey remains underrated, I believe he is starting to receive the attention he deserves. Washington will acquire a player in Bailey who can make an immediate impact on the edge and has shown steady improvement each season, culminating in this breakout, Big 12-leading 13.5 sack season, which ranks second in the nation.
It is unfortunate for Commanders fans that injuries have plagued their offense, and the defense isn’t shutting down opponents right now. Adding more pressure on the quarterback should help make everyone’s job a little easier.
Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
The Washington Commanders simply need more push up front and should find the help they need in this strong EDGE class. Faulk is a versatile defender who can line up anywhere along the defensive front and is equally disruptive against the run and as a pass rusher. He can play from the 5-tech to the 1 while using his size and physicality to win.
If the 2026 NFL Draft unfolds this way, the Washington Commanders should feel elated. Rueben Bain Jr. is a top-five prospect in this class, and he fills one of the most glaring needs on Washington’s roster. Dan Quinn has tried to make things work with a patchwork pass rush, but he hasn’t ever had a difference-maker in Washington. Bain can be that caliber of edge defender.
The Commanders get their edge rusher with the selection of Rueben Bain Jr, who falls right into their lap. With great power and a high motor, the 6-foot-3, 275-pound edge rusher is a defensive big play ready to happen given his explosion off the snap and ability to make any QB uneasy in the pocket. Commanders’ defense gets a spark instantly with this tremendous pass rusher.
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
After making it to the NFC Championship game last season, things have not gone the Commanders’ way this year, as they sit at 4-10. A big reason for their disappointing season has been a poor defense that allows 26.8 points per game and ranks 29th in pass defense, giving up 246 yards per game. To address this, Washington adds Ohio State’s Caleb Downs.
Downs is one of the top five players in the 2026 NFL Draft, and the only reason he is available here is that he plays a position not highly valued in the NFL. Downs has all the tools to make an impact, including a high football IQ, excellent range, and the physicality to play in the box.
Dan Quinn’s defensive front has plenty of mass, but what about the explosiveness? There appears to be some concern about the length that Bain Jr. is going to post in the draft process, which could cut down on his universal appeal — but Quinn is one of those coaches I’d trust to get Bain into the right spots and unleash his full potential.
Yes, Jayden Daniels’ injury woes this year sucked. But let’s not overlook how horrendous Washington’s defense has been this year. Their 2026 first-rounder has to be spent on that side of the ball.
Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods would immediately shore up the front seven with his elite run defense. This 315-pound beast would be lights-out alongside veteran Daron Payne.
Dan Quinn’s team finally snapped their losing streak, but this team still has a ton it needs to address in the offseason. Getting Jayden Daniels help should be the team’s top priority as his weapons weren’t nearly good enough this season. Makai Lemon could be the go-to guy for Jayden Daniels while taking a ton of attention away from Terry McLaurin.