Commanders one of four teams that most need a wide receiver

TL;DR

The Washington Commanders are identified as one of four NFL teams that need to draft a wide receiver in 2026, particularly due to the potential departure of Deebo Samuel and injuries affecting Terry McLaurin. They are considering selecting Carnell Tate with their seventh overall pick to enhance their receiving corps.

The Washington Commanders have plenty of things to consider as they head into the 2026 NFL Draft. One of the biggest things they'll look at is the wide receiver class. This particular class doesn't feature a ton of star-quality receivers, although there are a handful, but it does feature plenty of quality receivers who can provide depth and rotational impact.

NFL.com recently tasked its Around the NFL staff with selecting a team they believe needs to draft a wide receiver this year, and NFL Network Host Rhett Lewis selected the Commanders.

Deebo Samuel, Washington's receiving yards leader (727) last season, is a free agent. So right now, the team is heading into the 2026 campaign with Terry McLaurin, who had a down 2025 while battling injuries, Treylon Burks and Luke McCaffrey as its top three players at receiver. The Commanders know they need to continue supporting Jayden Daniels, and selecting one of the top wideouts in this class with their first-round pick would certainly help. I have Washington taking Carnell Tate with the seventh overall pick in my mock draft. If he's gone when they go on the clock, the equation becomes more complicated since the Commanders don't pick again until the third round (No. 71).

Carnell Tate is an ideal selection for the Commanders at No. 7 because he provides everything the team is looking for. He already has big-game experience, and he has the size, talent, and athleticism to make an immediate impact in the NFL. And the biggest one? Opposing teams will not be able to focus solely on defending Terry McLaurin. Tate provides a real threat, which will create space for McLaurin to continue doing what he does best.

However, if Tate is not an option at No. 7, then the Commanders will have a decision to make. They only have six picks in the draft this year, and they definitely need to pick up a receiver. If Tate isn't an option, there will still be receivers who can add depth available in later rounds. Without a second or fourth round pick, the Commanders have to be smart with their first and third-round picks. If they can't get Tate in the first round, it won't be the least bit surprising to see Adam Peters select a receiver in the third.

Other teams named as needing receivers were the Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints, and Tennessee Titans.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: One 4 teams that need to draft a wide receiver

Q&A

Why do the Washington Commanders need to draft a wide receiver in 2026?

The Commanders need to draft a wide receiver due to the potential loss of Deebo Samuel and injuries impacting their current top receiver, Terry McLaurin.

Who is Carnell Tate and why is he a good fit for the Commanders?

Carnell Tate is a highly regarded wide receiver prospect with big-game experience, size, and athleticism, making him an ideal selection to enhance the Commanders' offense.

What are the Commanders' current top wide receivers heading into 2026?

The Commanders' current top wide receivers are Terry McLaurin, Treylon Burks, and Luke McCaffrey, with McLaurin having struggled due to injuries in the previous season.