The Washington Commanders’ nightmare season continues after suffering their sixth straight loss in one of the more frustrating ways possible.

It was a different country, but the same result. The Miami Dolphins took advantage of critical mistakes by the Commanders and won in overtime in Madrid, Spain, after a Marcus Mariota interception. This loss seals the deal. The Commanders’ season is over as they head into a Week 12 bye week with their playoff hopes below 1%.

It’s time to make the most of the bye week and deep dive into many things, including the 2026 NFL Draft, an early look at free agency, and many changes to the roster and coaching staff. First, let’s take a look at the Commanders’ projected draft order and their potential roster needs before I dive into possible prospects to watch.

The Commanders’ draft order following a loss to the Dolphins

The Commanders’ loss to the Dolphins does help their draft order, as they now have a worse record than Miami. The Dolphins had the seventh overall pick and the Commanders had the eighth pick, and now Washington jumps up to seventh, while Miami falls all the way to 11th. The Commanders can jump the Las Vegas Raiders to sixth overall if they beat the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football, making their record 3-7.

We can all agree that the Commanders desperately need two things: talent and more draft picks. You can’t get better talent unless you have more picks, so getting the highest pick possible is needed, whether the Commanders decide to trade back or take an elite talent on the board. General manager Adam Peters only has six picks in the draft as things stand today.

The Commanders’ current roster needs

I hate to say it, but the Commanders’ roster is bad. It’s the oldest in the league, and there’s not much young talent to be excited about. Many took a big step back this season, and they have 23 free agents heading into the offseason. The defense needs to be gutted from a player and coaching standpoint, so that’s a good place to start.

Needs on defense

Defensive Line: Up front, the Commanders need to decide if they want to trade Daron Payne or let him play out his final year of his contract in 2026. They also need to finally address the pass-rushing situation, like actually address it, not by signing three or four cheap free agents as a band-aid.

We also don’t know how long Dorance Armstrong will be out with his torn ACL, and if he will even be ready by the start of the season. Jacob Martin should be a rotational guy they bring back next year to help out.

Secondary: They also need to fix the secondary with Marshon Lattimore likely to be released after the season, and Quan Martin struggling at safety. That’s two possible starters with one at corner and another at free safety. Mike Sainristil needs to bounce back after a major disappointing season, but Trey Amos looks to be a bright spot. Will Harris is also still under contract, and his injury hurt the defense this season.

Linebacker: Bobby Wagner probably retires, and the defense needs someone who can fly around and do it all at linebacker, whether that’s Jordan Magee or someone in free agency or the draft. Frankie Luvu needs a new defensive coordinator who will play him at his strengths and not move him around so much, and actually bring out the best in him.

Needs on offense

Wide Receiver: The Commanders need another top playmaker after Terry McLaurin missed the majority of the season with a quad injury. They also need to decide whether to extend Deebo Samuel on an affordable deal or move on. Noah Brown should not even be an option to come back, and adding two new wide receivers should be the move to make.

Tight End: Zach Ertz shouldn’t come back next season either, even if he doesn’t want to retire, and the offense needs some juice at the position. Ertz is 33rd in the league in yards after catch among tight ends, and it’s very noticeable on offense. They need someone who can make a small play a big play, and not just fall down after the catch.

Running Back: This rotation of three different running backs isn’t the answer, and they have way too many options not to get a true lead back this offseason. Players like Tyler Allgeier, Kenneth Walker III, Breece Hall, and many more are free agents, and the Commanders will have money to spend.

This will be Peters’ most important offseason since he arrived in Washington, and every move made and not made will be critical to getting the Commanders back on track with their rebuild.

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