Daniel Jeremiah suggests that the New York Giants could influence the Washington Commanders' strategy in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Commanders hold the No. 7 pick and have multiple needs, including edge rusher and wide receiver.
There are a few players in the first round of next week's 2026 NFL Draft that would make perfect sense for the Washington Commanders. The Commanders, who own the No. 7 overall pick, are a bit of a wild card heading into the first round. Washington has multiple needs, but plugged several holes in free agency, allowing them to focus on the best player available in the draft.
While the Commanders do not control their own destiny in the first round, their needs match up well with what could go down in the first six picks. Washington could still use help at edge rusher, wide receiver, cornerback, middle linebacker, running back, or safety. The running back and safety positions are lesser needs but feature elite prospects: running back Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame) and safety Caleb Downs (Ohio State).
Washington reportedly "loves" Love. However, he could go as high as No. 3. Styles is another player often linked to the Commanders, but he could go as high as No. 4 to the Tennessee Titans or No. 5 to the New York Giants. In fact, the highest percentage of mock drafts over the last two months have Styles going to New York with the fifth overall pick.
Not so fast, says top NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah.
"Sonny Styles should be a highly drafted player, but you don't think this pick is going to happen," Matt Harmon of Yahoo Sports asked Jeremiah this week on the "Yahoo Fantasy Forecast" podcast.
"I don't," Jeremiah responded. "A couple of names that popped up were, ok, Jeremiyah Love was still alive there, which would be so interesting because you have the whole saga.......that's one, and I've heard (Arizona State WR) Jordyn Tyson's name connected with them a lot as a receiver that they really like."
The Giants' decisions in the draft could affect which players are available for the Commanders at No. 7, potentially influencing their choice.
The Commanders are looking at several prospects, including running back Jeremiyah Love and safety Caleb Downs, among others.
The Commanders have needs at edge rusher, wide receiver, cornerback, middle linebacker, running back, and safety.
Jeremiyah Love is projected to be drafted as high as No. 3 overall, making him a potential target for the Commanders.
Liverpool is competing with Manchester United and Real Madrid to sign Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, who is under contract until June 2029 with a fee of at least £80 million. Arsenal is also interested in Leicester City's Jeremy Monga, a 16-year-old winger.
Claudio Ranieri reflects on his future amid recent chaos.
Paul Merson shares his prediction for Chelsea vs Man United at Stamford Bridge.
Live updates: Hampshire vs Somerset, Warwickshire vs Essex, and more!
Will MS Dhoni play against SRH today? Latest IPL 2026 update!
Marcel Desailly praises Didier Deschamps as he prepares for his final tournament.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Jeremiah then mentioned he isn't sure the Giants would consider Tyson at No. 5, or try to trade down a few spots and land him. Of course, Tyson's workout on Friday could mean New York would have to pick him at No. 5, or risk not landing him at all.
So, what does this mean for the Commanders? Washington has yet to add a replacement for Bobby Wagner. Yes, Leo Chenal was signed, but he's not considered a mike linebacker. Styles would be a perfect replacement. He'd give the Commanders the speed they've sorely lacked at the position over the years, and he can do everything. A trio of Styles, Chenal, and Frankie Luvu would give Washington the best trio of linebackers it has had in a long, long time.
Why do Jeremiah's thoughts matter here? As a former NFL scout with relationships across the league, there is no draft analyst more plugged in. In his March 17 mock draft, he had Styles going to the Giants. He's clearly heard conflicting information over the last month. It should be interesting to see which way he goes in his final mock draft.
Of course, if Styles slips past the Giants at No. 5, several recent mock drafts have the Dallas Cowboys trading with the Cleveland Browns at No. 6 to steal Styles from Washington.
Buckle up. This could be a fun first round, full of unpredictability.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Daniel Jeremiah doesn't think Giants will draft Sonny Styles