Commanders can return to postseason by nailing 2026 NFL Draft

After winning the Super Bowl in 1991, the Washington Commanders have struggled to regain any kind of relevance in the NFL. That is, until Jayden Daniels arrived on the scene in 2024 and led them to their first conference championship appearance in three decades. That season rejuvenated the Commanders' fan base and the organization as a whole, giving them hope for the team's future.

Unfortunately, the Commanders were unable to replicate their 2024 success and create a successful 2025. Battling injuries on both sides of the ball, the Commanders won just five games in 2025. So, when the offseason came, Adam Peters & Co. sat down to make some changes. So far, those changes appear to be positive, but they aren't done yet.

FOX Sports analyst Ralph Vacchiano recently named 10 teams that would benefit most from "nailing" their 2026 draft class. He grouped them into two categories: Five losing teams that could go to the playoffs, and five that are a threat to win it all. The Commanders came in at number five in the category of teams that could go from a losing record to the postseason.

Washington Commanders2025 record: 5-122026 picks: 1.7, 3.71, 5.147, 6.187, 6.209, 7.223

So many of their problems last season had to do with Jayden Daniels’ injuries. But not all of them. They were clearly lacking firepower on offense and needed to fix a terrible defense, too. They focused their free agency money on completely rebuilding the defense. If that works, they can get right back in the playoff chase with the right offensive pick.

They desperately need another receiver to pair with 30-year-old Terry McLaurin. They could get one easily with the seventh overall pick. If they decide to go defense there — the Commanders reportedly are high on Ohio State LB Sonny Styles, if he’s still available — they’d have to take a receiver at 71, which is their only other pick in the first three rounds.

If they can get a plug-and-play receiver and another valuable defensive player — a linebacker is fine, but a corner would be better — then it’s a short leap from 5-12 to contention in the NFC, especially if Daniels can stay on the field.

With the changes to the coaching staff and player personnel that have already happened, and getting some key players back from injury, the Commanders are already poised to be better in 2026. But if they can nail this draft, they can make themselves even better and have less of a struggle to reach the postseason.

That means that Adam Peters has to get his picks right. Given that this is the same guy who drafted Daniels and found Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the seventh round last year, we already know he has an eye for talent. He just has to continue making the right ones so that the Commanders can move forward.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Bold prediction: One analyst says Commanders can reach 2026 postseason