The Washington Commanders aim to improve after a disappointing 2025 season by acing their 2026 NFL Draft picks. Key upgrades and a strong offseason are crucial for a playoff return.
Key points
Washington Commanders had a disappointing 2025 season with a 5-12 record
Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin were standout players in 2024
The team has made key offseason signings to improve their defense
The 2026 NFL Draft is crucial for the Commanders' playoff aspirations
Washington CommandersJayden DanielsTerry McLaurinOdafe Oweh
Few teams had a more disappointing season than the 2025 Washington Commanders. Acing their draft class in the 2026 NFL Draft will be key in returning to their 2024 form.
Washington's 2024 season featured an outstanding rookie season from quarterback Jayden Daniels and a run to the NFC championship game. The 2025 season featured injuries to Daniels and lead wide receiver Terry McLaurin, among others, as well as a 5-12 record and no playoff berth.
The Commanders have started their offseason strong so far. Free agent edge rushers Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson, defensive lineman Tim Settle and linebacker Leo Chenal are solid defensive improvements. And off the field, Washington knocked the designs of their new uniforms out of the park.
Ahead of the 2026 season, the Commanders still need to make a few more upgrades to their roster to set themselves up for another playoff run. Washington only has a couple of top-100 picks in this year's draft, so general manager Adam Peters has some work cut out for him.
Here's a closer look at the Commanders' 2026 NFL Draft outlook, including the picks they own, roster needs and potential best fits over the seven rounds of the draft:
Q&A
What were the Washington Commanders' 2025 season results?
The Washington Commanders finished the 2025 season with a 5-12 record and did not make the playoffs.
Who were the standout players for the Commanders in the 2024 season?
Quarterback Jayden Daniels had an outstanding rookie season, and wide receiver Terry McLaurin was also a key player before injuries affected the 2025 season.
What improvements have the Commanders made in the offseason?
The Commanders have signed free agent edge rushers Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson, along with defensive lineman Tim Settle and linebacker Leo Chenal.
How many top-100 picks do the Commanders have in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Commanders only have a couple of top-100 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, making their selections critical for the team's future.
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This section will be updated after the Commanders make their first selection.
Commanders 2026 NFL Draft needs
Wide receiver
Terry McLaurin will be back for his eighth season in Washington, but he's coming off of an injury-riddled 2025 in which he missed a career-high seven games. When McLaurin wasn't around last season, the Commanders had Deebo Samuel to shoulder the load of targets in the passing game, but he's a free agent.
While Washington did sign free agents Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson, the offense could still use a true No. 2 wideout to pair with McLaurin. If the Commanders are able to add a receiver that can eventually take over from McLaurin as the team's new No. 1 pass-catcher, that would be even more ideal.
Cornerback
Cornerback has been a weak point on Washington's roster for a few years now. Commanders fans remember the shaky play of Benjamin St-Juste in 2024. Then Marshon Lattimore came to the nation's capital in a trade and promptly disappointed with subpar play of his own in the back half of 2024 and the start of 2025 before tearing his ACL.
Third-year Mike Sainristil and second-year Trey Amos are currently projected to hold things down on the outside entering 2026. If the Commanders could add another outside cornerback, that could allow Sainristil to kick back inside to nickel, as has long been the plan. If Washington's secondary could get a boost to complement the free agency investment in edge rushers, the Commanders' passing defense would start to look a lot more formidable.
Commanders 2026 NFL mock draft
Here's what the Commanders could do come draft night, per Ayrton Ostly's seven-round mock draft: