Mark Tyler's final 2026 mock draft for the Washington Commanders includes key picks like Carnell Tate at WR and Malik Muhammad at CB. The draft focuses on addressing team needs in critical positions.
Key points
Mark Tyler's final mock draft for the Washington Commanders.
Carnell Tate selected at pick 7 as a wide receiver.
Malik Muhammad chosen in round 3 as a cornerback.
Team needs include wide receiver, EDGE, safety, and center.
Draft algorithm focuses on value at positions of need.
Washington CommandersCarnell TateMalik Muhammad
The draft is a day away and with that comes my final mock draft for Washington for this year’s cycle.
As always, my draft algorithm is the player who represents the most value on the board at a position of need for the Commanders.
As I did last year, I will be using my draft board, which I published over the weekend, along with the Pro Football Network’s Mock Draft Simulator to help with this final mock.
**ROUND 1 (Pick 7) – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State**
As you can see above, there were two prospects left on my Big Board that I had as options with pick 7. Caleb Downs was my top-rated prospect, and I was ready to pull the trigger on him – however I changed my mind.
I ended up selecting Carnell Tate because I felt it was vital to surround Jayden Daniels with more weapons. Seeing what I saw last year when McLaurin was injured made me cringe. Tate also represents a player at a premium position.
With Tate, Washington gets a Z receiver who is NFL ready day one. He has excellent hands and is the most polished route-runner in this class. He won’t have the immediate pressure to come in and function as WR1, and he can learn how to be a professional behind fellow Ohio State alum Terry McLaurin – and eventually step into Terry’s role once the team moves on.
**Pro Comparison:** George Pickens
Q&A
Who did the Washington Commanders select in the first round of the 2026 draft?
The Washington Commanders selected Carnell Tate, a wide receiver from Ohio State, with the 7th pick in the first round.
What are the top needs for the Washington Commanders in the 2026 draft?
The top needs for the Washington Commanders are wide receiver, EDGE, safety, and center.
Which player was picked by the Commanders in the third round of the 2026 draft?
In the third round, the Commanders selected Malik Muhammad, a cornerback from Texas, with the 71st pick.
What positions did the Commanders address in their 2026 mock draft?
The Commanders addressed positions including wide receiver, cornerback, running back, linebacker, and center in their 2026 mock draft.
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**ROUND 3 (Pick 71) – Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas**
I had taken care of what I viewed to be our biggest need at pick 7, so I headed into round three with an open mind. When our pick came around and I saw Muhammed was still on the board, this became an easy decision for me.
Malik played in 41 games for the Longhorns receiving second-team All-SEC honors as a junior. He had a very impressive week at the Senior Bowl, showing sticky coverage in one-on-one matchups. He’s a bit light at just 182 pounds so that can be a concern with the physicality of the NFL, but he has the frame to add good weight. He is a long, athletic, scheme-diverse outside corner who will pair nicely with Trey Amos.
**Pro Comparison:** Tyson Campbell
Malik Muhammad is a CB prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored a 9.51 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 152 out of 3069 CB from 1987 to 2026.pic.twitter.com/DLlRCWrWes
**ROUND 5 (Pick 147) – Adam Randall, RB, Clemson**
The former receiver-turned-running back is an opposing force at 6’3” 232 pounds. He ran an impressive 4.50 40 at the NFL Combine with a 37” vertical and 10’4” broad jump. In his only full season as a running back, he led the team in rushing with 814 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns while chipping in with 36 receptions for 254 yards and three scores. He also offers special teams value as a kick returner.
**Pro Comparison:** Antonio Gibson
Adam Randall is a RB prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored a 9.44 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 127 out of 2268 RB from 1987 to 2026.pic.twitter.com/clAkzI7i1f
**ROUND 6 (Pick 187) – Jack Kelly, LB, BYU**
Kelly is a five-year player who made the jump to BYU from Webber State. In 25 games for the Cougars he posted 106 total tackles, 23.5 for a loss, 15 sacks, four forced fumbles and an interception. He was a two-time team captain who can work as a developmental linebacker and key special teams contributor.
**Pro Comparison:** Kaden Elliss
Jack Kelly is a LB prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.83 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 57 out of 3215 LB from 1987 to 2026.
Splits projected, all times unofficial, agilities left to run, bench tomorrow.pic.twitter.com/9MCJXkObwJ
— RAS.football (@MathBomb) February 27, 2026
**ROUND 6 (Pick 209) – Pat Coogan, C, Indiana**
Coogan started his career at Notre Dame playing in 30 games for the Irish during his four years with the program. He entered the transfer portal in 2025 and quickly found a home with the Indiana Hoosiers. He would go on to start all 16 games for the National Champions, being named second team All-Big 10, offensive MVP of the Rose Bowl and was a finalist for the Joe Moore award given to the nation’s top offensive lineman. Coogan was a game-day captain and routinely gave weekly pregame and halftime speeches to the offense throughout the season. At 6’5” 311 pounds, Pat ran a 5.19 40 and 4.93 short-shuttle while boasting a 30” vertical.
**Pro Comparison:** Chase Roullier
Pat Coogan (6’5 311) Indiana
Competitive leader
Good power in his hands
Versatility and experience at left guard and center
**ROUND 7 (Pick 223) – Bishop Fitzgerald, S, USC**
Fitzgerald has become an afterthought in this draft due to lack of elite athleticism and size, however when you put on the tape, he just makes plays. He started 10 games for the Trojans, making 51 combined tackles and five interceptions. He’s best as part of a two-deep tandem with some versatility as a robber.
**Pro Comparison:** Kamren Kitchens
When USC safety Bishop Fitzgerald recorded 5 interceptions in the 2025 season, which led the Big Ten and ranked No. 2 nationally, he earned First-Team All-American honors ✌️ pic.twitter.com/rcvF6rDTPU
