Breaking down Washington Commanders’ worst-case scenario for No. 7 overall pick, which could force a trade back
The Washington Commanders currently hold the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which means their move relies on what happens in the first six picks, and hopefully, it doesn’t go this way.
The Washington Commanders are heading into a critical 2026 NFL Draft, where they have to nail their six picks.
All eyes will be on the Commanders and what they do at the No. 7 overall pick, but that all depends on how the first six picks happen, and who falls to them. Here’s a look at what I beleive is the worst-case scenario for the Washington Commanders with the No. 7 overall pick.
Pick 1: Las Vegas Raiders, QB Fernando Mendoza
The Raiders taking Fernando Mendoza helps the Commanders because that’s a QB off the board, and this is the one true lock for the draft so far. This doesn’t hurt the Commanders at all, but the next five picks will.
Pick 2: New York Jets, EDGE Arvell Reese
The Jets take Arvell Reese, who is arguably the top defensive player in the NFL Draft, and he would be the perfect fit for the Washington Commanders. It would be shocking if he fell to No. 7 overall pick, but still, he’s a top player that they’d love to somehow land for the defense.
Pick 3: Arizona Cardinals, EDGE David Bailey
The Cardinals take EDGE David Bailey, which can heavily influence the Tennessee Titans’ next pick, would also hurt the Commanders, who need another long-term pass rusher. Bailey is the much better prospect over Rueben Bain Jr, and not taking an offensive tackle at No. 3 overall takes a premium player off the board.
Pick 4: Tennessee Titans, RB Jeremiyah Love
The Titans take RB Jeremiyah Love after Bailey goes off the board, which is very unfortunate for the Washington Commanders. Love is the best player in the NFL Draft, and likely my top pick for the Commanders if he falls. Another top player goes before the Commanders even have a chance to think about taking him.
Pick 5: New York Giants, LB Sonny Styles
The Giants have been heavily linked to LB Sonny Styles, and they take him at No. 6 overall. The Commanders also really like Styles, and he’d be the perfect prospect for their defense. Styles is likely one of the top-3 players the Commanders want at No. 7 overall, and it’s easy to see why, as one of the best prospects in the draft.
Pick 6: Cleveland Browns, TRADE BACK, Safety Caleb Downs
The Browns need a WR and an OT, but none are worth taking for them at No. 6 overall, so they trade back a few spots while a team like the Dolphins trade up to take Caleb Downs, who is arguably the top player of the draft, regardless of positional value. Downs would be a home-run pick for the Commanders, but they’d have to pivot.
Options for Washington Commanders at No. 7 overall
If the board falls this way, the Commanders’ top options would be WR Carnell Tate, CB Mansoor Delane, and EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. Sure, those are still good options, but not nearly as quality as the players picked before them, and they may trade back a few spots if this is how the board falls.
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