The Washington Commanders have finally arrived at their bye week. At 3-8, having lost six consecutive games, the playoffs are out of reach. That’s disappointing, given last season, when Washington went 12-5 and reached the NFC Championship.
Injuries have played a significant role in Washington’s tumble, particularly to quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin. Daniels and McLaurin haven’t played together since Week 2. In addition to injuries, some of GM Adam Peters’ offseason moves haven’t worked out. Additionally, all the breaks Washington got last season have gone the other way in 2025.
While the players and coaches haven’t given up on the current season, fans are already looking to 2026—specifically, the 2026 NFL draft. The Commanders have multiple needs, but two stand above the others: edge rusher and wide receiver.
If things continue on their current trajectory, Washington will hold a top-10 selection. The Commanders could have their choice of a top edge rusher or receiver.
In a new mock draft for CBS, Mike Renner gives Washington an elite playmaker at No. 7 overall: Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate.
Tate is the vertical threat the Commanders offense has sorely missed with Terry McLaurin sidelined for most of the year. The long, rangy receiver is averaging 18.2 yards per reception while hauling in 84.8% of his targets.
The 6-foot-3 Tate is the latest star wideout to come out of Columbus. Every year, it seems the Buckeyes put one in the first round, and they end up as superstars. Over the last two years, we’ve seen the emergence of Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Emeka Egbuka. Could Tate be the Buckeyes’ next star wideout?
Tate could be the perfect complement to McLaurin, another former Ohio State star. He would also give Daniels a vertical threat, which has been an issue all season with McLaurin mostly out of the lineup.
Tate currently has 39 receptions for 711 yards and seven touchdowns this season for OSU. He averages over 18 yards per reception.