2026 NFL draft prospects to watch for the Washington Commanders during their bye week, including WR with top matchup
These 2026 NFL draft prospects could be Commanders next season.
The Washington Commanders are finally at their Week 12 bye week after losing their sixth straight game, and now we get a weekend off to watch other storylines.
There are plenty of other games around the NFL on Sunday that will have major implications for the Commanders’ order in the draft without them even playing a game. But before that, we have a slate of college football on Saturday to watch, including some big matchups for three prospects that will be on the Commanders’ radar.
The Commanders only have six picks in the draft, so hitting on them all is key. General manager Adam Peters can stay put or trade back for one of these prospects who can impress this weekend.
Makai Lemon, WR, USC vs Oregon
Makai Lemon is a 5-11, 195-pound wide receiver who has a legit argument to be WR1 in the draft. Lemon has been the most consistent player in college football this season, and he’s put out ridiculous tape to watch leading up to the draft in April. His route-running is as crisp as it gets, and despite his smaller size, he fights for every ball like he’s a big-bodied wide receiver. Lemon is a true nightmare in coverage with his ability to get leverage and separation, and even when he’s well covered, which doesn’t happen often, his hands turn into a magnet for the ball.
The No. 15-ranked USC Trojans have a tough matchup on the road against the No. 7 team in the country, the Oregon Ducks. These are the games where blue-chip prospects have their biggest moments, and he will have no shortage of opportunities. Don’t be surprised when Lemon plays his way into the top-10 and WR1 conversations for the draft.
Zion Young, ED, Missouri vs Oklahoma
The only other ranked vs ranked matchup of the weekend is between No. 22 Missouri vs No. 8 Oklahoma, with a lot of prospects to watch for. Zion Young is a juiced-up edge rusher for the Tigers who will be one of the biggest x-factors of the game. Young was a player I ended up taking in my latest Commanders’ 7-round mock draft because of his ability to stop the run at a high level on the way to the quarterback. He’s 6-5, 262 pounds, and currently has six sacks, 33 pressures, and two forced fumbles.
Stopping the run is just as important, and not many rookies can do it right away, but Young’s 8.7% run stop rate will translate well with his discipline. Young could be an option in the third round, but he’s probably going to have a great draft process and be a fast riser. The Commanders very well could trade back if they end up with a high enough pick, and Young is a prime candidate who could go anywhere from the second or third round.
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee vs Florida
The Commanders desperately need to repair the secondary, with how badly the defense has struggled this season. Someone needs to replace Marshon Lattimore, who is likely gone this offseason, and Colton Hood would be a great fit to play on the outside opposite of Trey Amos. Hood is a 6-foot, 195-pound corner who is making the most of his opportunity as just a redshirt Sophomore. He has the length and speed to keep up with any wide receiver on the outside and fight at the point of contact.
Hood has only allowed 24 catches on 393 coverage snaps this season, with Tennessee’s top corner, Jermod McCoy, out with an injury. He has a great opportunity on the road against the Florida Gators to continue building his resume and putting out elite tape for the draft.
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