Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters will make his first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft in three days. As a result, he will construct his draft board and adjust accordingly with the No. 7 pick. With a strong effort during free agency, the team will address any perceived holes they still believe exist. The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala believes the team will target defense early.
“I tried to run through them myself for my second and final seven-round mock, using Pro Football Focus’ mock draft simulator. I decided to stay at No. 7, as Peters indicated the Commanders likely will, barring an offer they can’t pass up.”
Jhabvala’s assumption is that the Commanders stay at No. 7 and don’t trade down. This means the team will likely miss out on Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. Given these circumstances, turning to defense serves as the most logical path. In 2025, Washington allowed 26.5 points per game. Moreover, the team struggled against the run and the pass, finishing near the bottom of the NFL in both.
Ian Rapoport sees the Commanders continuing the youth movement on defense with their 1st-round pick. Caleb Downs, Sonny Styles, and Rueben Bain Jr. mentioned as options.pic.twitter.com/udzMGIuVGB
— COMMANDERS FOOTBALL (@HogsHaven) April 17, 2026
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The Day One Difference Maker That Could Change the Tone
Jhabvala projects that the Commanders will select the Ohio State safety as their first-round pick. Considering the team allowed almost 27 points per game, improving pass defense could significantly change the complexion of the defense.
“Downs’ intellect is his forte. He has the awareness and knowledge to wear the green dot for Washington if needed. And he’s a sure tackler who plays with exceptional toughness and speed—so much so that The Athletic’s Dane Brugler described him as a “human missile” in “The Beast” draft guide. ”
The “human missile” descriptions feel appropriate. Washington can deploy Downs everywhere. According to Pro Football Focus, Downs saw time on the line, the box, wide corner, slot corner, and free safety. In three seasons, he surrendered two touchdowns in 78 completions, none in the last two seasons in Columbus.
The ole misdirection.
Caleb Downs is an elite prospect and will be the first safety take.
Our analysts have Caleb going between 5-10 overall. https://t.co/EGQ4jqzHJK pic.twitter.com/osQiDdlx9u
— Draftline Capital (@Draftlinecap) April 20, 2026
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Drafting Could Push Perceived Starters
When the Commanders signed K’Lavon Chaisson, the prevailing thought centered around him becoming the starter at outside linebacker. In Jhabvala’s estimation, Dani Dennis-Sutton could provide stiff camp competition.
“His athleticism shows up regularly on tape, and he knows how to vary his attack as a pass rusher, but he doesn’t have high-end explosiveness and can get caught being overeager at the line (he was called offside four times last year). According to Brugler, Dennis-Sutton has “a commanding presence,” but may generate the most interest from teams in eyeing a “high floor role player” instead of a “high-ceiling pass rusher.”
#PennState EDGE Dani Dennis-Sutton put together a very productive collegiate career and solidified himself as a Day 2 pick.
Powerful rusher with big pop in his hands and sets up his rush moves very well. 17 sacks and 95 pressures over the past 2 seasons. pic.twitter.com/ICRacqe5Sf
— Andy (@AndyyNFL) March 14, 2026
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The phrase “high floor role player” stands out. Dennis-Sutton stands six feet six and weighs 256 pounds. Additionally, he possesses an 83-inch wingspan and 4.63 speed. In other words, Dennis-Sutton has a burst of speed that can disrupt plays.
GettyProjected Commanders draft pick, Penn State edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton.
His future depends on his development. If Dennis-Sutton can use his traits and make plays, he will push Chaisson immediately. At worst. The Commanders will employ a developmental rookie who can evolve into a starter. Plus, Chaisson’s deal is a one-year contract, keeping Washington up after the end of the 2026 season.
Commanders Projected to Land ‘Human Missile’ in 2026 NFL Draft