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The Washington Commanders hold the No. 7 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, with predictions varying between drafting running back Jeremiyah Love or wide receiver Carnell Tate. The team faces a critical decision that could significantly impact their roster.
As the Washington Commanders gear up for the 2026 NFL Draft, the NFL is abuzz with who each team will pick in the first round. The Commanders have the No. 7 overall pick, and there have been mixed predictions on what they will do. Some predict Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love; others predict Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate; and still others predict Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs. The truth is, none of us knows what is going to happen until the draft actually happens.
The biggest problem with the NFL draft as a whole is that it is impossible to predict. Many abide by the theory that drafting the best talent in the first round is a better route than filling a need because then you know you're getting a player who can contribute for years to come. Others still suggest that filling a need is more important.
In a few rare cases, the two sides end up on the same player in what CBS Sports calls a home-run pick, and they suggest the Commanders are one of five teams in the first round of the upcoming draft who could face such a scenario.
The Commanders have a fascinating decision to make with the seventh overall selection.
-Draft RB Jeremiyah Love to boost a depth chart currently sporting Rachaad White, Jerome Ford, Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Jeremy McNichols at the position-Draft WR Carnell Tate to give another option at the position outside of Terry McLaurin-Draft a defensive stud like Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs or Rueben Bain Jr.-Trade down since they only have two picks in the first four rounds
The top prospects include running back Jeremiyah Love, wide receiver Carnell Tate, and defensive players Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs.
A 'home-run pick' refers to selecting a player who is both a top talent and fills a significant need for the team, potentially leading to long-term success.
Jeremiyah Love is a running back who won the Doak Walker award and has recorded back-to-back seasons with over 17 rushing touchdowns and an average of 6.9 yards per rush.
The Commanders have significant needs at wide receiver and on defense, but drafting a standout running back like Love could also enhance their offensive capabilities.

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I could see any of these happening as the Commanders have big needs at WR and on the defensive side of the ball. However, the home run move is to draft Love if he falls to Washington. The Titans are currently favored to select Love with the fourth pick, but the Commanders have the second-best chance of landing Love.
Love was the nation's Doak Walker winner (best RB in FBS) last year and has had back-to-back seasons with 17+ rushing touchdowns on 6.9 yards per rush. He's a physical freak (6-0, 202) who ran the same 40 time (4.36 seconds) as Jahmyr Gibbs, a player he has drawn comparisons to. Like Gibbs, he proved he can be an impact in the passing game after an impressive on-field workout at the combine. While Washington might have a bigger need for a WR right now after ranking fifth in rushing yards last season, consider how Love could help the Commanders in the passing game too after they ranked last in receptions from RBs in 2025 (42).
Plus, think about the impact adding a superstar running back had on a division rival just two years ago. The Eagles were a good running team before they added Saquon Barkley in 2024. All he did was run for over 2,000 yards and propel them to a Super Bowl. Daniels and Love could be the new Jalen Hurts-Barkley combo.
While the Jayden Daniels-Jeremiyah Love combo would be fantastic, and maybe even better than the Jalen Hurts-Saquon Barkley combo, it's still not going to be an easy decision for Adam Peters to make. Carnell Tate, or any of the defensive players mentioned above, could also have a similar impact on the Commanders in the first round.
Washington is in a unique position, with a ton of options for its No. 7 overall draft pick. Their phones are open, but GM Adam Peters said he believes the Commanders will remain at No. 7 and pick. They definitely want to upgrade their running backs' room, and they absolutely need another deep-threat superstar who can pull attention away from Terry McLaurin, but drafting a running back in the top 10 doesn't happen often.
Love in Washington would be amazing, and the Commanders' offense would absolutely be terrifying with him on the roster. But the other options they have could be equally impactful, which is good since Love being there at No. 7 isn't a sure thing.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Jeremiyah Love is a home-run pick in NFL draft