Commanders 2026 NFL Draft: Picks by round, biggest needs, best fits

The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off live from Pittsburgh on Thursday, April 23 and the latest crop of rookies will be hearing their names called all weekend long. For the Washington Commanders, the biggest need is an obvious one: Cornerback.

The Marshon Lattimore experiment didn't work well in the nation's capital. The Commanders ranked 28th in pass defense and opposing quarterbacks enjoyed a 104 passer rating against them last season. Washington has an opportunity to get a premium player with the seventh overall pick.

MORE: Biggest need for every team entering 2026 NFL Draft

Here's everything you need to know about the Washington Commanders for this year's draft, including a round-by-round look at picks and a potential trade candidate already on the roster.

Washington Commanders NFL Draft best prospect fit: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

Per USA TODAY's Ayrton Ostly:

The Commanders need a lot of help on defense but spent money to build up that unit. Now, they need to add a dynamic player to the offense. Concepcion is one of the best open-field threats in the class and could create space for Jayden Daniels, something Washington's aging wide receiver room lacks.

NFL DRAFT: Finding the perfect prospect for every team

Washington Commanders NFL Draft trade candidate: DT Daron Payne

Per USA TODAY's Jack McKessy:

Payne's production in the last three seasons has failed to reach the same highs of 2022, when his 11.5-sack season earned him a Pro Bowl nod and $90 million extension. As he enters his walk year in 2026 at age 29, the Commanders could benefit from flipping the veteran for picks. Such a move would allow them to draft promising young players to lower the average age of the roster that was the oldest in the NFL in 2025. Those new, young players could help Washington return to contention after a severely disappointing 2025 season.