Former NFL QB makes his pick for Commanders and it's not who you think

Who will be available when the Washington Commanders go on the clock at No. 7 overall in next week's 2026 NFL Draft? Washington is in an excellent position, even with some of the top players coming off the board. While the Commanders did an excellent job of filling needs in free agency, they still need help at multiple positions.

One area where Washington needs the most help is at wide receiver. The Commanders reportedly like Ohio State WR Carnell Tate. Do they like him enough to take him at No. 7 overall? Will he even be available at No. 7? Many believe Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson is the most talented receiver in a deep class, but his medical history is worrisome.

That leaves us with USC WR Makai Lemon. Lemon is in the top three of almost everyone's list of receivers, but he's rarely first. Washington has shown interest in Lemon, too, meeting with him multiple times, including a top-30 visit. Lemon is a different type of receiver than Tate or Tyson, as he'll most likely excel in the slot at the next level, while Tate and Tyson play almost exclusively on the outside.

Former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel was a guest on NFL Live on ESPN on Thursday and he believes Washington should take Lemon.

"Well, because Carnell Tate is going No. 5 to the Giants (in his mock draft), I'm going to go with another receiver, Makai Lemon," Daniel said. "I was watching, rewatching his Iowa game, for USC, and I'm telling you, when I watch this guy go out and play, he's a running back with a linebacker temperament. The dude is not afraid of getting his head dirty, blocking and plays so much bigger than his size. I just think he's a complete mismatch against nickels, linebackers and safeties."

Daniels then explains Lemon's potential fit in new offensive coordinator David Blough's offense.

"In today's NFL, you're playing so much two-high safety looks, give me a slot guy that is good with the ball in his hands. And that's exactly what David Blough is going to do. It's going to be a mix between Ben Johnson and Kliff Kingsbury. He wants to get the ball out of ' hands into playmakers' hands. He's going to put Jayden Daniels under center. He's going to unlock him mentally. There's going to be a lot more at the plate for him to go after. So a guy like Makai Lemon, along with Scary Terry (McLaurin), to me, now we're talking."