The Super Bowl is over, and free agency is exactly one month away. The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine begins in two weeks, but all 32 NFL teams are already deep in their preparation for April’s 2026 NFL Draft.

The Washington Commanders need plenty of help to avoid another 5-12 season. One year after going 12-5 and reaching the NFC Championship Game, the Commanders fell apart in 2025. Injuries contributed to Washington’s slide this season.

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The good news is the Commanders will have quarterback Jayden Daniels back in 2026. But he needs help, especially on defense. Washington could use some help on defense, but much of its resources will be devoted to the defensive side of the ball. That work begins next month in free agency, but will continue in the draft. The Commanders have six picks in April, but are without picks in the second and fourth rounds due to the trade for left tackle Laremy Tunsil.

In a new three-round mock draft for NFL.com, Chad Reuter has Washington going defense with both of its picks.

At No. 7 overall, Reuter sends Ohio State safety Caleb Downs to the Commanders.

The Commanders take the best player on the board to be a long-term pillar of their defense. Downs can lead the squad from the back end and insert himself into plays around the box, thanks to his elite instincts.

There are some who believe Downs is the best player in the draft. Downs could be the type of player Washington can build its defense around under new coordinator Daronte Jones. A longtime defensive backs coach, Jones has spent the past several years coaching Vikings safety Harrison Smith — a potential future Hall of Famer. Downs can do everything, and would drastically improve Washington’s secondary.

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At pick No. 71, the Commanders select Utah edge rusher Logan Fano, the brother of Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano, who is expected to go inside the top 10.

Fano brings plenty of experience to the NFL and can set the edge. He has a high floor, but some may consider his ceiling limited due to his lack of sack production. Fano is absolutely the type of player you select on Day 3 because he can come in and help you immediately.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders go all defense in new 3-round mock draft