Which 16 players will attend the 2026 NFL Draft?

When the Washington Commanders draft their newest player in two weeks at the draft, will that player be in attendance?

The NFL has announced that 16 NFL rookies will be in attendance at the first round of the NFL Draft, which will be held on Thursday, April 23. The Commanders, as you well know by now, are sitting currently in the No. 7 draft position.

The Big Ten (which has 18 teams) and the SEC will have 11 players in attendance on the big night for the NFL draft showcase. Hey, five of them are going to be from Ohio State alone (Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, Carnell Tate, Caleb Downs, and Kayden McDonald). Four of these Ohio State players are expected to be drafted in the top 12, and all five in the first round.

Ohio State fans, of course, will be talking much about how there are five Buckeyes in attendance and zero Wolverines. But that sort of talk is for another day and another place.

The odds alone would suggest that, with the Commanders owning the No. 7 draft position, if Washington keeps that pick, there would be a good chance they could select an Ohio State Buckeye. Four of the five Buckeyes played on the defensive side of the ball. The Commanders surrendered more yards than any team in the NFL in 2025. So, wouldn't a top defensive player be welcomed?

Speaking of the 16 who committed to attend the draft, sadly, there are those out there criticizing Heisman Trophy Winner and most likely first overall draft choice QB Fernando Mendoza for deciding not to attend the first night of the draft. I even heard one of the media outlets suggest that Mendoza should attend because the NFL draft is a big night for both the NFL and Mendoza.

Well, yes, it is a big night for the NFL, but now are we actually going the route that all top players 'should' attend the draft? Are we actually now attempting to make each player feel obligated to attend the draft? Take Mendoza, for example. He has already been to a Heisman night. Why should he feel obligated to attend? Mendoza's mother, Elsa, is battling MS (Multiple Sclerosis). Why would Mendoza want to subject his ailing mother to the travel, the crowds, and the cameras?

Doesn't it make sense, much more sense, that Mendoza make arrangements that will actually make things easier for his mother and family? Isn't the better assessment of the situation that, because Mendoza is not coming, the NFL should praise him for honoring his mother and father? Isn't it more commendable that a young man not yet 25 possesses the maturity to choose to be with his mother and family at home that night?

Personally, I find it impressive and refreshing that Mendoza has chosen to not attend the draft and is choosing to spend the time celebrating with those for whom that night will mean far more. For Mendoza, apparently some ancient words might still be important to him, "Honor your father and your mother."

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Which players will be in Pittsburgh?