The Washington Commanders are considering two Ohio State players for the 7th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Their decision is influenced by the six teams selecting before them.
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Commanders narrowed down to 2 Ohio State picks at 7th spot in 2026 NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Washington Commanders could have multiple talented players reach them at the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft's first round on Thursday night.
But they are at least a little of the mercy of the six teams picking in front of them, and a trade up the board doesn't seem that worthwhile.
So who will they get?
Based on ESPN's Matt Miller and Jeremy Fowler in a new mock draft with some reporting late Wednesday night, it sounds like it's down to two Ohio State options.
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Miller's official prediction is that the Commanders will take the uber-talented linebacker Sonny Styles.
"I've consistently heard that Styles will be the pick if he's on the board," Miller writes. "The Commanders have also done work on the wide receiver class in the event that Styles is gone. But Commanders coach Dan Quinn has reportedly told contacts that Styles is his favorite player in the class, and without a second-round pick, Washington must determine which positions have depth. Wide receiver is one of them, asĀ Chris Brazzell IIĀ (Tennessee) could be the team's Round 3 target."
The Commanders have narrowed their options down to two Ohio State players for the 7th overall pick.
The 7th pick is crucial as it allows the Commanders to select from top talent, but they are affected by the teams picking ahead of them.
A trade up the board does not seem worthwhile for the Commanders, indicating they may stay at their current position.
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Fowler pushes back just a bit to point out that the wide receiver need could be the one that wins out in the first round for the Commanders, particularly if Carnell Tate is on the board still.
"Teams I've talked to believe Styles would be a dream Dan Quinn pick, but they also wonder whether the Commanders are leaning offense," Fowler writes. "Wide receiverĀ Carnell TateĀ (Ohio State) is a popular name here, and Washington has spent a lot of time with him."
These days, you definitely can't go wrong with Buckeyes early in the draft. For the Commanders, it may simply come down to deciding which one.