{"id":858616,"date":"2026-04-07T09:36:46","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T09:36:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/858616\/"},"modified":"2026-04-07T09:36:46","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T09:36:46","slug":"washington-takes-luxury-pick-underrated-playmaker-and-more-defensive-starters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/858616\/","title":{"rendered":"Washington takes luxury pick, underrated playmaker, and more defensive starters"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The Washington Commanders make the most of their six picks in the 2026 NFL Draft by taking the best player at No. 7 overall, while taking elite talent to help fill needs to support Jayden Daniels and rebuild the defense.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/USATSI_25510455-1-scaled.jpg\" class=\"attachment-1280 size-1280 wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\"  data-hero=\"atoz-hero\" \/><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFeb 25, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center.<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a9 Kirby Lee-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Washington Commanders are under three weeks away from being on the clock for a critical 2026 NFL Draft.<\/p>\n<p>They only have six picks to work with, so getting the most out of them is more important than ever after an overhaul of the roster during free agency. My latest Commanders 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft on the <a href=\"https:\/\/draft-simulator.atozsports.com\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/draft-simulator.atozsports.com\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">new A to Z Sports Mock Draft Simulator<\/a> gave Washington the best player in the draft at No. 7 overall, and the best players on the board to fill needs the rest of the way.<\/p>\n<p>Round 1, Pick 7: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Commanders were on the clock at No. 7 overall, where the top three players available were Jeremiyah Love, Caleb Downs, and Mansoor Delane, and I took Love. Sonny Styles, Carnell Tate, and both Rueben Bain Jr. and David Bailey were gone. Washington still has plenty of needs on defense, which I still addressed, but Love is too good to pass on, regardless of position.<\/p>\n<p>The Commanders only have Bill Croskey-Merritt under contract after the season, even after adding Rachaad White and Jerome Ford in free agency. Love is on the same tier as Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs, and No. 7 overall is actually low for him if he actually falls. <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/atozsports.com\/nfl\/washington-commanders-news\/adam-schefter-names-as-likely-landing-spot-for-rb-jeremiyah-love-despite-top-5-2026-nfl-draft-projections\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/atozsports.com\/nfl\/washington-commanders-news\/adam-schefter-names-as-likely-landing-spot-for-rb-jeremiyah-love-despite-top-5-2026-nfl-draft-projections\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Love has met with the Commanders a ton<\/a>, and playmaking ability makes him an easy choice. He\u2019s coming into the NFL with just under 2,500 rushing yards in the last two seasons and 35 touchdowns with it.<\/p>\n<p>Round 3, Pick 71: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dani Dennis-Sutton continues to be the most underrated prospect in the NFL Draft, and he is undoubtedly a first-round talent in my opinion. Penn State\u2019s historically disastrous season derailed his hype, but he still produced with eight sacks and 51 pressures. Dennis-Sutton measured in at 6-5, 256 pounds with 33.3\u2033 arms, and impressed at the scouting combine.<\/p>\n<p>His size and athleticism match the film as a disruptive pass rusher with an arsenal of pass-rushing moves, and he can also set the EDGE in the run game. Getting Dennis-Sutton at No. 71 overall would be the steal of the draft, and he could be the next long-term piece in addition to Odafe Oweh on the other side.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Dani Dennis-Sutton&#8217;s athleticism shows up. 22.2% TPS win rate the last two years. Nasty spin move as an interior rusher and shows he can drop in coverage <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/JPWeydvmIM\" rel=\"nofollow\">pic.twitter.com\/JPWeydvmIM<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Billy M (@BillyM_91) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/BillyM_91\/status\/2027350022740652129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">February 27, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Round 5, Pick 147: De\u2019Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Commanders still need another top WR while they <a href=\"https:\/\/atozsports.com\/nfl\/washington-commanders-news\/receive-clarity-on-decision-to-sign-wr-brandon-aiyuk-49ers-after-geroge-kittle-speaks-on-situation\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/atozsports.com\/nfl\/washington-commanders-news\/receive-clarity-on-decision-to-sign-wr-brandon-aiyuk-49ers-after-geroge-kittle-speaks-on-situation\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">wait on the Brandon Aiyuk situation to play out<\/a>, and De\u2019Zhaun Stribling is the most underrated WR prospect in the draft. <a href=\"https:\/\/atozsports.com\/nfl\/washington-commanders-news\/nfl-draft-intel-shows-commanders-strong-interest-wr-dezhaun-stribling-fix-offense\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/atozsports.com\/nfl\/washington-commanders-news\/nfl-draft-intel-shows-commanders-strong-interest-wr-dezhaun-stribling-fix-offense\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Stribling is a 6-2 WR with 4.36 speed that can be a legit WR2 option<\/a> on day one and complement Terry McLaurin.<\/p>\n<p>He isn\u2019t just speed; however, he has incredibly strong hands and is very physical at the catch point, and even after the catch. Stribling averaged 7.3 yards after the catch in 2025 and averaged 14.7 yards per catch as well. He had just one drop in 2025 and should be a day-two pick who is being severely underrated.<\/p>\n<p>Round 6, Pick 187: Bishop Fitzgerald, Safety, USC<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After <a href=\"https:\/\/atozsports.com\/nfl\/washington-commanders-news\/grading-free-agency-signing-safety-nick-cross-adress-biggest-liability-defense\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/atozsports.com\/nfl\/washington-commanders-news\/grading-free-agency-signing-safety-nick-cross-adress-biggest-liability-defense\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">adding Nick Cross in free agency<\/a>, the Washington Commanders need a free safety who can be a blanket in coverage. The safety room has been a disaster for years now, and none of the previous starters should see the field much at all. Bishop Fitzgerald would come in and start at free safety right away for the Commanders.<\/p>\n<p>Fitzgerald is a 5-11, 205-pound safety who has great instincts and ball skills. He had five interceptions in 2025, and plays his best in zone coverage, where he can diagnose a play and react. Fitzgerald is also a reliable open-field tackler, but he does need a slight improvement in the run game. His coverage skills alone are worth the pick and another steal on day three.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Bishop Fitzgerald (5\u201911 205) USC<\/p>\n<p>+ Five interceptions in 2025<br \/>+ 90.1 coverage grade<br \/>+ Impressive instincts<br \/>+ Awareness in zone coverage<br \/>+ Quick to diagnose and attack against the run<br \/>+ Football IQ (high school QB)<br \/>+ Closing speed<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Lacks ideal size and length<br \/>\u2013 Late season knee\u2026 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/oY2XDJzv7Q\" rel=\"nofollow\">pic.twitter.com\/oY2XDJzv7Q<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Bengals &amp; Brews (@BengalsBrews) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/BengalsBrews\/status\/2018095275454218598?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">February 1, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Round 6, Pick 209: Jager Burton, Center, Kentucky<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jager Burton has been a riser this offseason after showing off his athletic testing with a 9.99 Relative Athletic Score. He\u2019s the type of center the Commanders are dying to have, and they love a high RAS. <a href=\"https:\/\/atozsports.com\/nfl\/washington-commanders-news\/dan-quinn-reveals-cornerback-plan-amik-robertson-mike-sainristil-need-outside-option-2026-nfl-draft\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/atozsports.com\/nfl\/washington-commanders-news\/dan-quinn-reveals-cornerback-plan-amik-robertson-mike-sainristil-need-outside-option-2026-nfl-draft\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Burton can compete for the starting center position with Nick Allegretti<\/a> or give Chris Paul a run for his money at LG.<\/p>\n<p>He fits the blocking scheme that David Blough will use a ton with combination block, and he can also move well in space on outside runs or plays where he needs to pull across. Burton thrives in pass protection with zero sacks allowed in 2025, but his run blocking is what the Commanders really need.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Kentucky C Jager Burton continues to grow on me through this process. Reportedly hit a 4.45 short shuttle according to some at his pro day <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/b1iHqs8x7x\" rel=\"nofollow\">pic.twitter.com\/b1iHqs8x7x<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Billy M (@BillyM_91) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/BillyM_91\/status\/2032473702781026541?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">March 13, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Round 7, Pick 223: Josh Moten, CB, Southern Miss<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Josh Moten is slightly smaller at 6-0, 185 pounds, but he\u2019s very physical, just ask Jeremiah Smith. Moten\u2019s best play in college was when he boxed out Smith for an interception against the Ohio State Buckeyes, but he\u2019s done it consistently with 10 interceptions in the last two seasons.<\/p>\n<p>Moton would give the Commanders competition and depth at outside CB, and would be worth taking a flyer on in the seventh round. He has great timing to break up passes, he\u2019s a sure tackler in the run game, and he also has great closing speed.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Josh Moten SHUT DOWN Jeremiah Smith. <\/p>\n<p>Watch him run stride for stride and box out Smith for the interception.<\/p>\n<p>Legit instincts and ball skills. Elite production in 2024. Potential to be CB1 in the 2026 Draft out of Southern Miss(!!) after transferring from Marshall. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/3ElkB7if8m\" rel=\"nofollow\">pic.twitter.com\/3ElkB7if8m<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NFL_DF\/status\/1919415930490094019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">May 5, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"100\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Simulator-6.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-442013\"  \/><\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_7122-2-200x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" itemprop=\"image\" loading=\"lazy\"   width=\"200\" height=\"200\" style=\"object-position:50% 28%\"\/>\t\t<\/p>\n<p class=\"query-card-horizontal__category is-style-eyebrow\">Washington Commanders News<\/p>\n<p class=\"is-style-body-small\">Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels, WR Terry McLaurin, and others are wasting no time getting work in before the offseason workouts begin. A social media post gave us a glimpse of what\u2019s to come.<\/p>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Washington Commanders make the most of their six picks in the 2026 NFL Draft by taking the&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":858617,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2069],"tags":[4955,427,7,100355,6,30,855,111,2480],"class_list":{"0":"post-858616","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-washington-commanders","8":"tag-2026-nfl-draft","9":"tag-commanders","10":"tag-football","11":"tag-mock-draft-simulator","12":"tag-nfl","13":"tag-nfl-mock-draft","14":"tag-washington","15":"tag-washington-commanders","16":"tag-washingtoncommanders"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nfl\/116362758218153432","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/858616","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=858616"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/858616\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/858617"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=858616"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=858616"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=858616"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}