Commanders’ upcoming top-30 visit can cause massive movement in first-round of 2026 NFL Draft, and he’s a perfect fit
The Washington Commanders can impact the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft depending on who they select, but even more so if they trade back and select this playmaker they’re hosting on a top-30 visit.
The 2026 NFL Draft is just over two weeks away, and the Washington Commanders are doing their due diligence on every prospect.
The Commanders have been active over the last few months by attending the NFL Scouting Combine and pro days around the country to watch prospects make an impression. Following these meetings, the Commanders lined up multiple top-30 visits with prospects they want to bring to their facilities, including top options for the first round.
One upcoming top-30 visit could hint at a major trade back from No. 7 overall, while taking a playmaker who is a perfect fit.
The Commanders have an upcoming top-30 visit with WR Makai Lemon
The Commanders have a difficult decision to make when they’re on the clock with the No. 7 overall pick, and it’s not just about who they pick. If they don’t like how the board falls, the Washington Commanders could entertain a trade back. In case they do, they’re taking a closer look at WR Makai Lemon, who could be an option a few picks later, with a top-30 visit coming up.
Taking Lemon at No. 7 overall would be a major surprise, but also not off the table if he’s the player they really want. Trading back a few picks, then selecting him, is obviously the best-case scenario, but also not a guarantee. Exploring all options should be on the table for the Washington Commanders, especially with Lemon being a perfect fit for the offense.
Makai Lemon is a perfect fit for David Blough’s offense
The Commanders obviously need another WR other than Terry McLaurin, and Brandon Aiyuk could be on the way once his situation is sorted out. Adding a dynamic slot WR could be the move to make, and Lemon is the exact prospect they need. David Blough will be running a similar scheme to Ben Johnson and Dan Campbell, where Amon-Ra St.Brown and Luther Burder thrive in the slot, and he needs his own weapon.
Lemon is an explosive athlete who can win on the inside and outside, but thrives in the slot at 5-11, 195 pounds. He’s also still just 21 years old and started to breakout in 2024, but took a massive step in 2025 with career-high numbers. Lemon was USC’s top WR with 79 catches for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Lemon had a contested catch rate of 71.4%, 16 deep catches, which was fifth most in the country, and just two drops on 108 targets. He might not be a WR1 from the standpoint of an outside WR, but he could have a similar impact as St.Brown or even Jaxon Smith-Njigba from the slot. Lemon has been my WR1 for a while, and a perfect fit for the Commanders, especially if they can get a late-second or early-third round pick from it.
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