{"id":865498,"date":"2026-04-13T11:10:47","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T11:10:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/865498\/"},"modified":"2026-04-13T11:10:47","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T11:10:47","slug":"the-board-breaks-two-ways-for-commanders-cowboys-chiefs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/865498\/","title":{"rendered":"The board breaks two ways for Commanders, Cowboys, Chiefs"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>The annual NFL Draft, kicking off on April 23, is rapidly approaching (courtesy Paul Drohan)<\/p>\n

The closer we get to draft night, the wider the range of plausible outcomes becomes \u2014 especially for teams picking inside the top 10 without a quarterback need.<\/p>\n

This latest mock draft exercise leans into that uncertainty, though league sources helped fill in some blanks. Rather than forcing one rigid projection, Mock Draft 8.0 maps out two paths, both reaching the Commanders\u2019 early third-round pick. <\/p>\n

First, a realistic board based on team tendencies, positional value, and how the first wave of selections could alter everything that follows. Then comes another reality: Trades are coming, even if the thin QB market limits urgency. The second mock considers a world where deals get done.<\/p>\n

For Washington, the math remains unchanged: No. 7 puts one of this class\u2019s few first-round graded players within its grasp. For a team with only two top-100 picks, the first-rounder is the front office\u2019s main trade chip to acquire more. <\/p>\n

One version plays it straight, the other lets general manager Adam Peters consider trading for more picks or letting the board fall without forcing movement.<\/p>\n

Runs at edge rusher, offensive tackle, and wide receiver feel inevitable. The question is when \u2014 and who gets squeezed.<\/p>\n

1. Raiders \u2014 Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana<\/p>\n

Las Vegas already helped the Heisman winner by signing center Tyler Linderbaum and (Week 1 starting) quarterback Kirk Cousins. Next steps: officially draft Mendoza and add more linemen and receivers on Day 2.<\/p>\n

2. Jets \u2014 Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State<\/p>\n

Reese or Bailey. Bailey or Reese. Stick with the higher-upside prospect.<\/p>\n

3. Cardinals \u2014 David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech<\/p>\n

Arizona may face the classic need (offensive line) vs. best-player-available debate.<\/p>\n

4. Titans \u2014 Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame<\/p>\n

Drafting a non-premium position this high is tricky, but Love may be the top overall talent. Quarterback Cam Ward also needs help.<\/p>\n

5. Giants \u2014 Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami<\/p>\n

It only feels like New York\u2019s offensive line issues have lasted longer than Jaxson Dart has been alive. Hiring John Harbaugh tips the scale toward line help.<\/p>\n

6. Browns \u2014 Spencer Fano, OT, Utah<\/p>\n

Does Cleveland view Fano as a left tackle despite shorter arms? Likely yes. The floor \u2014 Pro Bowl guard \u2014 and limited OL options at picks 24 and 39 support the call.<\/p>\n

7. Commanders \u2014 Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State<\/p>\n

The bigger question is whether the elite athlete is still on the board, not whether Washington would be interested in adding the 6-foot-5, 244-pound converted safety who paced all linebackers at the Combine in the 40 (4.46) and vertical leap (43.5 inches).<\/p>\n

Tennessee looms as the pivot point with what\u2019s shaping up as a Love or Styles debate. The Commanders would become a likely landing spot for the Notre Dame RB should he reach No. 7.<\/p>\n

\"CommandersCommanders 7-Round Mock Draft: Six picks, one clear priority at No. 7<\/a><\/p>\n

8. Saints \u2014 Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami<\/p>\n

Steal of the draft or cautionary tale? The range of outcomes is wide.<\/p>\n

9. Chiefs \u2014 Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State<\/p>\n

With three top-40 picks, Kansas City can wait on CB and WR. Downs offers immediate impact on the field and in the locker room.<\/p>\n

10. Bengals \u2014 Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU<\/p>\n

Cincinnati would draft multiple defenders here if it could.<\/p>\n

11. Dolphins \u2014 Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State<\/p>\n

Moving on from veterans like Jaylen Waddle signals a reset. Fine, but Miami cannot leave new QB Malik Willis short on targets.<\/p>\n

12. Cowboys \u2014 Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee<\/p>\n

Dallas must address its weak secondary. Two first-round picks help.<\/p>\n

Give a gift subscription<\/a><\/p>\n

13. Rams (from Falcons) \u2014 Makai Lemon, WR, USC<\/p>\n

After addressing cornerback in free agency, Los Angeles adds playmaking for Matthew Stafford \u2014 possibly in his final season. Lemon is a YAC machine and plays tougher than his smaller frame suggests.<\/p>\n

14. Ravens \u2014 Vega Ioane, IOL, Penn State<\/p>\n

Pick a line. Add size. Repeat on the other side in Round 2.<\/p>\n

15. Buccaneers \u2014 Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn<\/p>\n

16. Jets (from Colts) \u2014 Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana<\/p>\n

17. Lions \u2014 Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama<\/p>\n

18. Vikings \u2014 Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon<\/p>\n

19. Panthers \u2014 Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia<\/p>\n

20. Cowboys (from Packers) \u2014 Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

21. Steelers \u2014 Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State<\/p>\n

22. Chargers \u2014 Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami<\/p>\n

23. Eagles \u2014 Blake Miller, OT, Clemson<\/p>\n

24. Browns (from Jaguars) \u2014 Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State<\/p>\n

25. Bears \u2014 T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson<\/p>\n

26. Bills \u2014 Denzel Boston, WR, Washington<\/p>\n

27. 49ers \u2014 Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah<\/p>\n

28. Texans \u2014 C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia<\/p>\n

29. Chiefs (from Rams) \u2014 K.C. Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M<\/p>\n

30. Dolphins (from Broncos) \u2014 Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee<\/p>\n

31. Patriots \u2014 Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State<\/p>\n

32. Seahawks \u2014 Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M<\/p>\n

\"TheThe trade-down blueprint: Mapping Commanders’ targets through the early rounds<\/a><\/p>\n

33. Jets \u2014 Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State<\/p>\n

34. Cardinals \u2014 Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama<\/p>\n

35. Titans \u2014 Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M<\/p>\n

36. Raiders \u2014 Peter Woods, DT, Clemson<\/p>\n

37. Giants \u2014 Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo<\/p>\n

38. Texans (from Commanders) \u2014 Caleb Banks, DT, Florida<\/p>\n

39. Browns \u2014 Zion Young, Edge, Missouri<\/p>\n

40. Chiefs \u2014 Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson<\/p>\n

41. Bengals \u2014 Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon<\/p>\n

42. Saints \u2014 Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama<\/p>\n

43. Dolphins \u2014 Malachi Lawrence, Edge, UCF<\/p>\n

44. Jets (from Cowboys) \u2014 Gabe Jacas, Edge, Illinois<\/p>\n

45. Ravens \u2014 Christen Miller, DT, Georgia<\/p>\n

46. Buccaneers \u2014 Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech<\/p>\n

47. Colts \u2014 D\u2019Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana<\/p>\n

48. Falcons \u2014 R Mason Thomas, DE, Oklahoma<\/p>\n

49. Vikings \u2014 Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech<\/p>\n

50. Lions \u2014 Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame<\/p>\n

51. Panthers \u2014 Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt<\/p>\n

52. Packers \u2014 Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina<\/p>\n

53. Steelers \u2014 Keionte Scott, S, Miami<\/p>\n

54. Eagles \u2014 Derrick Moore, DE, Michigan<\/p>\n

55. Chargers \u2014 Keylan Rutledge, G, Georgia Tech<\/p>\n

56. Jaguars \u2014 Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati<\/p>\n

57. Bears \u2014 Treydan Stukes, DB, Arizona<\/p>\n

58. 49ers \u2014 Keyron Crawford, DE, Auburn<\/p>\n

59. Texans \u2014 Austin Barber, OT, Florida<\/p>\n

60. Bears (from Bills) \u2014 Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson<\/p>\n

61. Rams \u2014 Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern<\/p>\n

62. Broncos \u2014 Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas<\/p>\n

63. Patriots \u2014 Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State<\/p>\n

64. Seahawks \u2014 Mike Washington, RB, Arkansas<\/p>\n

\"TheThe Commanders chase elite athletes. It\u2019s the clearest clue to pick No. 7<\/a><\/p>\n

65. Cardinals \u2014 Markel Bell, OT, Miami<\/p>\n

66. Titans \u2014 Chris Bell, WR, Louisville<\/p>\n

67. Raiders \u2014 Chris Brazell II, WR, Tennessee<\/p>\n

68. Eagles (from Jets) \u2014 Bud Clark, S, LSU<\/p>\n

69. Texans (from Giants) \u2014 Jaishawn Barham, DE, Michigan<\/p>\n

70. Browns \u2014 Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia<\/p>\n

71. Commanders \u2014 Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State<\/p>\n

Washington could skip receiver, especially if Brandon Aiyuk is eventually headed to town. Otherwise, the 6-foot-3 Hurst works as a target with 4.42 speed and an ability to run routes while maintaining pace within the breaks. Ole Miss WR De\u2019Zhaun Stribling, Penn State DE Dani Dennis-Sutton, Ohio State CB Davison Igbinosun, Penn State S Zakee Wheatley and Florida C Jake Slaughter are other names in the third-round mix.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The annual NFL Draft, kicking off on April 23, is rapidly approaching (courtesy Paul Drohan) The closer we…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":865499,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2063],"tags":[346,7,118,110,2438,2437,6],"class_list":{"0":"post-865498","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-kansas-city-chiefs","8":"tag-chiefs","9":"tag-football","10":"tag-kansas-city","11":"tag-kansas-city-chiefs","12":"tag-kansascity","13":"tag-kansascitychiefs","14":"tag-nfl"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nfl\/116397098193176548","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/865498","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=865498"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/865498\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/865499"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=865498"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=865498"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=865498"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}