The latest 2026 mock draft predicts the Washington Commanders will select Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles at No. 7, following a trade by the New York Giants. Notable players like Jeremiyah Love and Caleb Downs are expected to be picked before the Commanders' turn.
The New York Post published its latest 2026 mock draft on Saturday, and there were some real surprises early.
The Washington Commanders have been linked in most mock drafts to Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, and in many to Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, and in some recent notable ones to Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate.
However, Steve Serby says no to each of those options for the Commanders at No. 7. That's right, Serby has Love, Downs, and Tate all three being selected before the Commanders go on the clock at No. 7. So, here is the top 10 according to Serby.
The Washington Commanders are projected to draft Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles at No. 7.
Jeremiyah Love, Caleb Downs, and Carnell Tate are expected to be selected before the Commanders' pick at No. 7.
The Las Vegas Raiders are predicted to select Fernando Mendoza, a quarterback from Indiana, as the first overall pick.
The Eagles, Commanders, and Chiefs may contact the Jets regarding a potential trade for wide receiver Garrett Wilson. Despite the interest, there are no indications that the Jets are willing to part with him.
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So, in this scenario, the Commanders would select Styles to take over for veteran and future Hall of Fame linebacker Bobby Wagner. It would also mean the Commanders, who also need another starting corner, pass on the top-rated corner in this class. Did you notice he was then selected by the Saints with the very next selection? This would come down to, do the Commanders value linebacker over cornerback in position value? I seriously doubt it. If they were to make this selection under this scenario, it would indicate they value Styles as a can't-miss prospect, so they would take the highest-rated defensive player on their board at No. 7.
Of note, there has been increasing speculation that GM Adam Peters wants to trade down to select a receiver. In this mock draft, Serby had five additional receivers being selected in the first round.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: New mock draft has Sonny Styles going No. 7