Commanders 2026 NFL mock draft highlighting potential WR target possibilities at each pick for Jayden Daniels
The Commanders can take advantage of a deep WR NFL Draft class by selecting one anywhere with their six picks, and addressing other needs elsewhere.
The Washington Commanders are looking to improve their roster in one last attempt during the 2026 NFL Draft after an active free agency period.
There are still a couple of positions that need to be addressed, and the WR room might be the biggest one. They swung and missed on top free agents, but this is a deep WR draft where they can add one in any round. I decided to do something different and do a WR-only Commanders mock draft to highlight which players could be a target at each pick they own.
Round 1, Pick 7: Carnell Tate, Ohio State
The Commanders are at the Ohio State Buckeyes’ Pro Day, and they should have their eyes on Carnell Tate, who is a top option at the No. 7 overall pick. Tate is an early declare at just 21 years old, and he’s still ascending as a savvy route runner at 6-3, 195 pounds. He’s arguably the top WR in the draft, and would be the next WR1 to take over for Terry McLaurin.
Tate isn’t just a vertical threat, and he can win anywhere on the field. He’s also as reliable as they come with zero drops on 66 targets in 2025, with an elite contested catch rate of 85.7%. Jayden Daniels would thrive for years to come with Tate as a weapon.
Round 3, Pick 71: Zachariah Branch, Georgia
Zachariah Branch is extremely underrated and could be the biggest steal of the draft. He’s as explosive as they come, and he’d be a threat in the slot at 5-10, 177 pounds. Branch can make a routine play turn into a game-changing play with the ball in his hands, and he’s the best in the class at doing so.
He averaged leads the NFL Draft class with 7.97 yards after catch, and a career avoided tackle rate of 21.3%. Branch also had just two drops on 93 targets, with a contested catch rate of 62.5%. The Commanders should have him circled with the No. 71 overall pick.
Round 5, Pick 147: De’Zhaun Stribling, Ole Miss
De’Zhaun Stribling was a big part of Ole Miss’ prolific offense last season, and another later-round gem not getting talked about enough. He’s an older prospect who will be 24 before the season, but he’s also been consistent over the last few seasons. Stribling has incredibly strong hands and had only one drop last season.
He has great athletic ability and body control to dominate at the point of the catch, and he’s also fast enough to run a 4.36 40-yard dash, which is top tier at 6-2, 207 pounds. Stribling can stretch the field vertically, or he can take a short catch for a big gain by breaking tackles in the open field.
Round 6, Pick 187: Cyrus Allen, Cincinnati
Cyrus Allen should be drafted way before the No. 187 overall pick, and he’s one of the best route runners in the draft class. He broke out in 2025 when they finally let him play primarily in the slot with 49 catches for 661 yards and 12 touchdowns. Allen can create separation at any part of his route, and his speed sets him apart from others in the class.
He already has a refined route tree and one of the most developed route runners in the NFL Draft, so don’t be surprised when Allen becomes a day three starter who produces as a rookie. The Commanders need a slot WR, and getting this kind of talent in the sixth round would be impactful.
Round 6, Pick 209: Eric Rivers, Georgia Tech
The Commanders met with Eric Rivers at the Georgia Tech Pro Day, and he’s another late-round option to strongly consider. The 5-10, 176-pound speedster ran a 4.35 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, and his speed matches on film. Rivers has been productive with over 1,800 yards and 14 touchdowns in the last two seasons, and Georgia Tech wasn’t a high-powered passing offense by any means.
Rivers has great ball tracking ability to stretch the field vertically, but his suddenness ability to stop on a dime helps him create easy separation on the short routes. Defenders struggle to keep up with his speed and movements in his routes.
Round 7, Pick 223: Malik Benson, Oregon
Malik Benson is another WR the Commanders met with at their respective Pro Day after a one-on-one meeting with him. He’s a big-play threat after averaging 16.7 yards per catch on a very productive Oregon offense. Benson is just 5-11, 189 pounds,s and still dominated as an outside WR with a 60% contested catch rate.
He’s had an impressive draft process after running a 4.37 40-yard dash and catching the attention of the Commanders at his Pro Day. Benson could compete for the starting slot position while offering versatility to play out wide. Give him the ball and watch the explosive plays open up the offense.
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