Pick these 2 guys or trade back — Commanders' ideal draft plan revealed by ESPN

Pick these 2 guys or trade back — Commanders' ideal draft plan revealed by ESPN originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Washington Commanders don't have a ton of picks as things stand in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Laremy Tunsil trade cost them both their second- and fourth-rounders for this year. Their current slate includes picks 7, 71, 147, 187, 209 and 223.

That definitely sets the Commanders up as a prime trade down candidate. In a new article on Thursday, ESPN's Ben Solak writes that Washington's plan should be to trade back, unless one of two guys makes it to No. 7.

The two players he'd stay put and draft:

• Caleb Downs
• Jeremiyah Love

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Downs is the potential superstar safety from Ohio State.

Love is the clear-cut RB1 out of Notre Dame.

But otherwise, a trade is what Solak advises.

"They have more needs than their first two picks can address," Solak writes.

He lays out three obvious needs: safety, wide receiver and center.

Solak adds that edge rusher is a spot the Commanders could use more depth at, too.

It is interesting to consider the plan in this way. If the Commanders were in agreement with Solak, they'd work the phones for a conditional deal -- "If these guys aren't still here, we'll trade with you."

It adds a potentially fascinating subplot to draft night, and given the Commanders are such an obvious trade back candidate given their lack of picks, it'll definitely be a narrative to watch as the clock ticks toward the seventh pick.