What is the Commanders' dream scenario ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft?

There is just one week left until the 2026 NFL Draft, and the entire NFL is abuzz with what each team is going to do. Which player will they select? Will they trade up or down? Mock drafts are released in droves as everyone tries to predict what is ultimately a pretty unpredictable event. So, when someone deviates from the standard mock draft, it's always a nice change of pace.

Recently, Sports Illustrated's Gilberto Manzano created each team's "dream scenario" for the first round of the draft. When it came to the Washington Commanders, he was pretty spot on.

Dream Scenario: Love or Reese falls to No. 7

After writing this story, it seems a quarter of the league would love to draft Reese. If he somehow is available for Washington, GM Adam Peters shouldn’t hesitate to draft him. But there’s a better chance Love is available at No. 7, considering that teams shy away from taking a running back that high.

A duo of Jayden Daniels and Love would be a scary sight for defense. Adding him to Washington’s backfield would get this team back where it was after the surprising 2024 season.

While the Commanders would absolutely jump all over drafting Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese, the likelihood that he is there is slim. Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, though, could potentially be there if the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants both opt for defensive selections.

What may pose a bigger problem for Adam Peters is if both Jeremiyah Love and Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate are available at seven. At that point, it becomes incredibly difficult to decide which player to select. Love probably has more talent, but Tate is still talented, and he helps more at a position of need. Certainly, no one would envy Peters' position should he be faced with such a decision on April 23.