The 2026 NFL combine is in the books. While NFL teams are wary of things that happen in Indianapolis, such as players producing record-breaking 40 times and more, the combine can also reinforce what teams already know about NFL draft prospects.

That’s what happened with some prospects. Workouts and on-field drills confirmed that Ohio State standouts Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles, along with Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love and Texas Tech edge David Bailey, were top-10 picks.

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So, what does that mean for the Washington Commanders, who hold the No. 7 overall pick? We know Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is likely going No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders. An offensive lineman or two will likely go somewhere among the top six picks, meaning Washington should land a premier player when it’s on the clock.

If you ask most Washington fans, any combination of Styles, Bailey, Love, or Ohio State safety Caleb Downs would make them happy.

In his latest post-combine mock draft, Dane Brugler’s projection is good news for the Commanders.

7. Washington Commanders: David Bailey, edge, Texas Tech

Head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters are looking for speed and violence off the edge, and Bailey offers both. He took a jump as a run defender this past season and would improve the Commanders’ pass rush immediately.

Bailey was college football’s most dominant pass rusher in 2025. After three productive seasons at Stanford, Bailey transferred to Texas Tech, where he produced 14.5 sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles in 2025.

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It feels more and more like Bailey doesn’t make it outside the top five. He could go as high as No. 2 to the New York Jets, No. 3 to the Arizona Cardinals, or No. 4 to the Tennessee Titans. But, due to other team’s needs, a premier talent will fall to Washington. In this case, it’s Bailey.

In Brugler’s mock, Love went fourth overall to the Titans, and Styles went No. 5 to the New York Giants.

Free agency begins next week, and the Commanders are expected to target pass rushers. Bailey could be the cherry on top if he lands in Washington.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Commanders land pass rusher in Dane Brugler mock draft