Feb. 21, 2026, 6:15 a.m. ET
The Washington Commanders went 5-12 in 2025, so it’s clear there are many needs on the roster.
Luckily, the Commanders own a top 10 pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. There are several different directions the team could go with that pick, with most analysts predicting an edge-rusher or defensive playmaker.
However, one respected draft analyst sees the team going another way and adding a weapon for Jayden Daniels. ESPN’s Field Yates has the Commanders selecting wide receiver Carnell Tate with their top pick in 2026.
Regarding that pick, Yates pointed to the Commanders’ lack of depth at the receiver spot and believes Daniels could use more help.
“Beyond Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel, their No. 2 receiver, getting up there in age, injury concerns, not currently under contract,” Yates explained. “They were playing guys off the practice squad last season, and they definitely got tested with their depth due to injury.”
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Tate is considered by many to be among the top receivers in this draft class. The Ohio State product caught 51 passes for 875 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025 and ended his college career with just under 1,900 total yards. The receiver has the size to break tackles and make contested catches, but is also quick enough to get open across the middle.
“I think Carnell Tate is on the short list, if not the most pro-ready prospect in this class,” explained Yates. “He’s a professional route-runner with excellent body control… he is ready to rock.”
As Yates explained, the Commanders could definitely use a receiver like Tate. Samuel, Chris Moore, Noah Brown, and Treylon Burks are all headed for free agency, and none of that group, other than Samue,l inspires much confidence anyway.
It will be interesting to see if the Commanders go with offensive upside and select Tate, or decide to add to the defense that disappointed in 2025 instead.