Draft simulator sets stage for Commanders pick at No. 7

Logan Paulsen spent a decade in the NFL and now analyzes what the Washington Commanders' 2026 draft will look like.

Paulsen and the co-host, Grant Paulsen, met again for another Take Command podcast episode, where they produced their 2026 mock draft 3.0.

Here were the picks leading up to the Commanders at No. 7:

• Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
• New York Jets: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
• Arizona Cardinals: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
• Tennessee Titans: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
• New York Giants: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
• Cleveland Browns: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Using a draft simulator to make those preceding picks, the stage was set for Paulsen to make the Commanders selection at No. 7. Paulsen said it would be ideal for Washington to be able to select from Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. "I don't think you could go wrong here, but man, is this a tough decision."

"If you talk about a running back that can hit home runs, can be dynamic in the pass game, that can be a third down weapon. Man, that is really enticing, and I think it adds a little juice to this group."

Downs: "One of the best tapes of a player that I've watched. Do your physical limitations prevent you from being that player in the NFL? " In other words, Paulsen was saying that Caleb Downs was a great college safety, but Paulsen can't help but know that Downs' lack of size is going to be a factor in his production in the NFL. Downs is simply going to be seeing bigger and faster opponents each week in the NFL.

So, Paulsen feels like under this scenario the pick for the Commanders would be Jeremiyah Love.

In addition, Grant and Logan spend some time talking about if the Commanders were to trade down. Here is the full episode to watch.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Draft simulator sets stage for pick No. 7