Commanders 2026 NFL Draft prospects to watch during the College Football Playoff, who could be options in all 7 rounds

The Commanders will have their eyes on some of the best prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft this weekend, with the College Football Playoff ramping up into the second round.

Josh Taylor — Washington Commanders News Writer
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Dec 20, 2025; College Station, TX, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (4) rushes the line during the game between the Aggies and the Hurricanes at Kyle Field. © Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Washington Commanders’ season is winding down, and so is the College Football Playoff, as we head into the second round.

There will be numerous discussions this offseason about prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, and they can help make their cases with key games against top matchups. The Commanders will have their eyes on a lot of options for them to take with any of their six draft picks, and they have to nail every pick.

Here’s a look at who you should be watching during the next round of the College Football Playoff.

First round options for the Commanders

Caleb Downs, Safety, Ohio State: Downs will very likely be my top prospect in the draft when it’s all said and done, but positional value will likely make him available for the Commanders when they pick. They need blue-chip players regardless of position, and he’s an instant boost for the whole defense.

Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State: Tate has a chance to show what he can do against Miami and maybe become the WR1 of the draft. His game will translate immediately in the NFL, thanks to his savvy route running and strong hands. He can high-point any pass, and would be a huge weapon for Daniels, and a McLaurin replacement in the near future.

Rueben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami: Bain Jr. had a strong game against Texas A&M in the first round, but now he’s got his hardest test yet against Ohio State’s offensive line. His shorter arms will be a hot topic this offseason, but the film doesn’t lie. The Commanders obviously need a top pass rusher, and his ceiling is incredibly high.

David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech: Bailey is the best pure pass rusher in the 2026 NFL Draft, and he gets to show it against Oregon. This game has all the makings of the best in the second round, and Bailey can be a true difference maker. He already has 77 pressures and 14 sacks on the season, and will be adding to them this weekend.

Third round options for the Commanders

Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana: Sarratt continues to be a big-time producer at 6-2, 213 pounds, and he has a big test against Alabama. He always makes key plays on the biggest stage, and this will be a fun matchup. Sarratt might sneak into the late second if he plays well enough, but this is a guy I’ll be high on all offseason.

Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State: The Commanders need to add another corner this offseason as well, and Igbinosun has really stepped up this year. He will be tested against a deep WR corps for Miami with Malachi Toney and CJ Daniels. Igbinosun is a lengthy physical corner at 6-2, 195 pounds, and an intriguing option for the Commanders.

Keionte Scott, CB, Miami: If the Commanders keep Mike Sainristil on the outside, then they need a legit nickel corner, and Scott is one of the best. He’s fast, disruptive, and can pop anyone at the line of scrimmage. Scott is one of the fastest risers for the draft so far this postseason.

Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech: The Commanders have a decision to make with Daron Payne, and they should move on to save the money and upgrade at the position. They desperately need better defensive tackle play, which gets overlooked by the lack of a pass rush on the EDGE. Hunter is a force at 6-4, 330 pounds, and the best pass-rushing defensive tackle in the draft. He’s explosive, powerful, and still has great movement.

Day 3 options for the Commanders

Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami: Mesidor is the other pass rusher opposite of Bain Jr, and he’s just as explosive and probably a better pure pass rusher. He’s a much older prospect with some injury history, but he can get to the quarterback with 55 pressures and nine sacks this season.

CJ Daniels, WR, Miami: Daniels is another fun prospect who has made some big catches this season for Miami. Ohio State’s secondary will be a huge test for Daniels, who could be a solid day-3 target in the draft at 6-2, 205 pounds.

Amare Ferrell, DB, Indiana: Ferrell is primarily a safety, but he’s played in the slot and in the box as well at 6-2, 202 pounds. He’s got four interceptions for Indiana this season, and will look to add more against Alabama. The Commanders need better safeties, and he could be a versatile piece as well.

Tim Keenan III, DT, Alabama: Another defensive tackle I like a lot is Keenan III from Alabama. He’s a stonewall in the middle and would fix the Commanders’ run defense, which has been awful in the middle of the line. Keenan III is 6-2, 320 pounds, and moves people out of the way up front.

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