Feb. 28, 2026, 8:15 a.m. ET

You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.

That certainly holds true for the NFL Scouting Combine as well. This week, the prospective draft class is performing on the field and also making that all-important first impression in the interview process.

Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters sat down with former Redskins tight end Logan Paulsen on Friday inside Lucas Oil Stadium, the site of this week’s Combine. “The way we interview players has evolved,” expressed Peters. “You know, you get 20 minutes or 18 minutes to interview players. So, really being efficient with that, and really being deliberate in terms of how we are trying to get the information that we want in that short amount of time.”

As for the interviews this week, the Commanders have interviewed or are scheduled to interview some big name players such as: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame, Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State, David Bailey, DE, Texas Tech, Rueben Bain, DE/Edge, Miami, Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State, Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU, Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State, Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State.

“I feel like we are in a really good place and had some (have) had some really good interviews this year.” The Commanders’ staff does not simply show up in Indianapolis, watch these guys’ physical tests, and then interview many. They have already been hard at work for months. “We have so much information. Our scouts do a great job of learning everything they can about the guy. And I’ve read it on a screen, but I haven’t actually seen them in person. So, for that to come to life, it’s been pretty cool to see these guys.”

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.

The lower rounds will be much more important for the Commanders this year, simply because they do not possess draft selections in rounds two or four. So, they are really going to need to find a player or two in those lower rounds. Here are the Commanders’ picks for this year’s upcoming draft:

Round 1: 7Round 3: 71Round 5: 145Round 6: 186 (from SF)Round 6: 197Round 7: 224