The Commanders could draft one of these game-changing 2026 NFL draft prospects to watch during Week 2 of the college football season
The Commanders should be scouting these future prospects this weekend.
The college football season started hot last week with a loaded slate of games and matchups for potential 2026 NFL draft prospects that the Washington Commanders will be scouting all season.
The schedule this week is not nearly as exciting as last week, but there are still a lot of prospects I’ll be keeping a close eye on that can make a huge statement against a quality opponent.
Here’s my Week 2 draft prospects to watch on Saturday, right before the Commanders kick off their season.
WR Deion Burks – Oklahoma
Deion Burks is a lightning-in-the-bottle type of player who can beat you deep on vertical routes with his speed, or eat up a defense on short routes with his quickness and route running. He’s listed at 5-foot-9 and 188lbs, but can play in the slot and on the outside. He has outstanding hands and can track any deep ball with ease. The Oklahoma Sooner has the matchup of the weekend against the Michigan Wolverines, and can become a big-time riser with all eyes on him.
The Commanders need to keep addressing the wide receiver position, even with Terry McLaurin’s contract extension, and Burks is the type of big-play threat that could be a major weapon for Jayden Daniels. Burks is currently listed as the 96th overall prospect on PFF’s 2026 NFL draft big board.
ED Gabe Jacas – Illinois
Start to learn the name Gabe Jacas, and he can show off against a good Duke Blue Devil team this weekend in another fun matchup. Jacas absolutely dominated in Week 1 as he finished with two sacks, three hurries, a forced fumble, and a 91.1 pass rush grade on PFF. He’ll be chasing down Darian Mensah on Saturday, who had the second-highest grade by a QB last week.
It’s no secret that the Commanders desperately need a long-term answer at the edge position next offseason, and Jacas will be just one of many options in a loaded pass-rushing position in April. He’s currently projected to go early in the third round, but I expect him to soar up the board this season.
RB Justuce Haynes – Michigan
On the other side of the game of the week, you have the Michigan Wolverines led by true freshman Bryce Underwood, looking to upset the Sooners, and RB Justice Haynes will be a major impact in doing so. The Alabama transfer wasted no time and rushed 16 times in Week 1 for 159 yards and three touchdowns against New Mexico. Haynes runs with patience, but when it’s time to go, he shows off his explosiveness and contact balance when a defender finally puts hands on him.
Bill Croskey-Merritt could very well be the only returning running back for the Commanders next season, with Chris Rodriguez and Jeremy McNichols as free agents, and Ekeler getting up there in age, so they need to add a lead back desperately.
This might not be the most exciting slate of college football games, but these are the players I’m watching closely on Saturday that would be excellent additions for the Commanders come April. This is just the warm-up before the Commanders kick off the regular season on Sunday against the New York Giants.
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