Adam Peters’ Draft Tells (2026 Edition) - Who will be the Commanders’ top targets? (by @Tiller56)

Ever since Josh Harris and company bought the team and hired Adam Peters to run the show, the news out of Ashburn has been very limited. Beat reporters don’t seem to be fed tidbits and if they are, they don’t share them.

Bruce Allen was a walking Magic 8 Ball and Scot McCloughan may have been even worse (with certain reporters). Ron Rivera opened his mouth when it should have remained closed and that sometimes became a problem.

So, this no-leaks policy that the new staff has seemed to implement is a very good thing considering the leaky faucet we’ve had in Ashburn the last two decades. However, it does make free agency and the draft a bigger guessing game for outsiders.

All that being said, I believe, just like any good poker player, that I have spotted some of Adam Peters’ tells. You can read all about these, and how they play into Washington’s draft needs, below. Using the same algorithm I did last year, and with yet another draft under our belts to gain some more tells, I wanted to take a look at what prospects may be on Adam Peters’ board for the 2026 draft.

Last year I hit on our top two picks in in the first edition of Adam Peters’ Draft Tells.

• Josh Conerly Jr. (RD1 pick 29)
• Trey Amos (RD2 pick 61) How will this year’s edition turn out?

**Some of what we can glean from the 2024 and 2025 drafts:**

• 1.) **40 collegiate games played:**
• Of the last two year’s draft picks, all but Ben Sinnott (38) played in at least 40 collegiate games.
• 2.) **Collegiate production:**
• Adam Peters seems to like guys who get better every year in college and never truly plateau.
• 3.) **Team Captain:**
• Six of the thirteen draft picks between 2024-2025 were team captains including all three of the first three picks in 2024.
• 4.) **Senior Bowl:**
• Eight of the thirteen draft picks between 2024-2025 were chosen to play in the Senior Bowl.
• 5.) **Post season accolades:**
• Every draft pick over the last two years received **at least**an All-Conference mention. Many were All-Americans.
• 6.) **Four years removed from high school:**
• Every player selected in the 2024 and 2025 drafts (with the exception of Josh Conerly) was at least four years removed from high school when drafted.
• 7.) **Elite athleticism:**
• For Adam Peters, there seems to be a strong correlation to RAS scores and draft choices.
• 8.) **Multiple meetings:**
• The last two year’s draft picks all had meetings with the team – be it at all-star games, the combine, pro days, Top 30 – or a combination of these.
• 9.) **No character concerns:**
• From all reports I have seen from our 2024 and 2025 class, none had any character concerns during the draft process.
• Both Peters and Quinn have spoken multiple times of locker room fits and what it takes to be a Commander both on and off the field, so I believe this is a BIG priority for the team.

**2026 Team Needs:**

Some of our team needs have changed or lowered a bit after free agency, however some big ones still remain. **Top Needs:**

• Wide Receiver
• EDGE
• Safety
• Center **Secondary Needs:**
• Running Back
• Linebacker
• Cornerback

**What top prospects could be on Adam Peters’ draft board based on what we have seen from the 2024 and 2025 drafts?**

Round 1 Pick 7

Jeremyiah Love RB Notre Dame

Love is as dynamic a prospect as there is in this draft. His parents both served in the military and retired from the St. Louis police department, so character and discipline run in his blood. His coaches at Notre Dame spoke highly about his character and work ethic – citing him as a “football junkie” who was always around the facilities and someone who teammate gravitated towards. He’s a quiet, confident, lead-by-example player who prefers to let his play do the talking. Despite being at Notre Dame for just three years, he played in 41 career games. As a true junior, he led the Irish with 1,372 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns and added 27 receptions for 280 yards and three touchdowns. He was named a unanimous All-American, won the Doak Walker Award, and was a finalist for the Heisman trophy, Maxwell Award and Walter Camp Award. Jeremyiah boasts elite athleticism (4.36 40) and has had a formal interview with Washington at the combine as well as meeting the team’s brass at Notre Dame’s pro day. He is not four years removed from high school, nor did he play in the Senior Bowl, but that’s because he’s elite at his position and is NFL ready right now. Had he chosen to return for his senior season at Notre Dame, he likely would have checked every box on this list.

Jeremiyah Love is insane

vs light boxes: 9.1 YPC

#1 best for any RB the last 10 years

contacted beyond the line: 10.0 YPC

#1 best for any RB the last 10 years

contacted behind the line: 33% missed tackle forced %

#1 best for any RB last year

vs heavy boxes: 5.0 YPC

#2… pic.twitter.com/n6a9SP07IT

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) April 8, 2026

**Caleb Downs S Ohio State**

Caleb Downs is arguably the best player regardless of position in the 2026 NFL draft. There are a few boxes he doesn’t check but there is a reason for that – he’s just that good! He’s only has three years of college football under his belt but in those three years he started a staggering 44 total games, made multiple All-Conference and All-American teams, was a team captain in 2025, showed on tape his rare athleticism (two collegiate punt returns for touchdowns and clocked close to 21mph in games), has met with the Commanders brass multiple times, and is as clean a prospect off the field as he is on it. If any player in this class should be given the “Commanders Tag” it would be Downs.

Ohio State S Caleb Downs' career college stats:

• 3 seasons (44 games) • 257 tackles • 16 tackles for loss • 12 passes defended • 6 INTs • 3 FF, 1 FR • 1.5 sacks • 2 punt return TDs • 2025 Defensive Back of the Year • 2024 National Champion • 2x Unanimous All-American… pic.twitter.com/l41agCK2ou

— NFL Stats (@NFL\_Stats) March 31, 2026

**Sonny Styles LB Ohio State**

Besides not participating in the Senior Bowl (and I’m sure it was not for a lack of an invite), Sonny Styles checks off every other box on this list. He is an athletic freak who got better each year at Ohio State after switching from safety to inside linebacker heading into his junior year. He was a team captain who called the defense in 2025 for Matt Patricia, garnering All-American honors along the way. He has met multiple times with the Commanders including a top 30 visit.

Sonny Styles is a LB prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored an unofficial 10.00 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 1 out of 3215 LB from 1987 to 2026.

Splits projected, all times unofficial, agilities left, bench tmrw, but 10.00 RAS watch is officially on!… pic.twitter.com/f2JFhymsXH

— RAS.football (@MathBomb) February 27, 2026

**Round 1 Trade-Back**

Mansoor Delane CB LSU

Delane is an ascending cornerback who broke out as a senior at LSU after transferring from Virginia Tech. He played in 44 career games over his four collegiate seasons and has eight career interceptions. He was a unanimous All-American for the Tigers in 2025. Mansoor was invited to the Senior Bowl but chose to focus on his preparation for the NFL draft. Despite not being a team captain (LSU only had two captains for the 2025 season), he was praised for his leadership on and off the field. He ran a 4.38 40 with a 1.50 10-second split at LSU’s pro day. He’s a Maryland native who has met with the Commanders multiple times, including a top 30 visit.

#LSU CB Mansoor Delane, who impressed with a 4.38 40-yard-dash during his Pro Day, is visiting the #Dolphins on a Top 30 tonight and tomorrow and then the #Giants on Wednesday into Thursday. pic.twitter.com/21cOO2cI8q

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 6, 2026

Round 2 (if we are able to get a second rounder)

Gabe Jacas EDGE Illinois

Jacas played in 50 games (43 starts) with the Illini over his four years, serving as a team captain in 2025. He had 11 sacks and 13.5 TFL as a senior earning second team All-Big 10. He can play as a stand-up outside linebacker or with his hand in the dirt. He had a stand-out week at the Senior Bowl and has met with Washington multiple times.

Gabe Jacas is a DE prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored a 9.59 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 93 out of 2239 DE from 1987 to 2026.pic.twitter.com/8fbzpiDHAw

— RAS.football (@MathBomb) April 4, 2026

Jacob Rodriguez LB Texas Tech

Rodriguez started 31 games at Texas Tech after transferring from Virginia in 2021. He blew up as a senior, being named a first team AP All-American, Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, and Won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Lombardi Award, Bednarik Award and Butkus Award. He finished fifth in Heisman voting. Jacob had an amazing Senior Bowl week in Alabama and wowed scouts as the combine with his athleticism and on-field work. He was a team captain in 2024. He’s met with Washington multiple times including a formal meeting at the combine. He checks off every box on this list.

Jacob Rodriguez is a LB prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored a 9.61 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 137 out of 3460 LB from 1987 to 2026.pic.twitter.com/XYmj3j6w0w

— RAS.football (@MathBomb) April 6, 2026

Round 3, Pick 71

Ted Hurst WR Georgia State

Besides not being a team captain, Hurst check off every box on the list. He is an elite athlete who improved each year in college and had an excellent Senior Bowl week where he may have really put his name on the map. He played in 48 games over his four years and was named first team All-Sun Belt in 2025. Coaches have raved about his work ethic and demeanor, and he’d offer a perfect complement to McLaurin on the outside as a Z receiver. He’s met with the Commanders multiple times including at the Senior Bowl, combine and his pro day.

Ted Hurst is a WR prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored a 9.90 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 40 out of 3926 WR from 1987 to 2026.pic.twitter.com/njjZi7gxnG

— RAS.football (@MathBomb) March 21, 2026

Malik Muhammad CB Texas

Malik played in 41 games for the Longhorns receiving second-team All-SEC honors as a junior. He had a very impressive week at the Senior Bowl showing sticky coverage in one-on-one matchups. He’s a bit light at just 182 pounds so that can be a concern with the physicality of the NFL, but he has the frame to add good weight. He’s met with Washington on multiple occasions.

Malik Muhammad is a CB prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored a 9.51 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 152 out of 3069 CB from 1987 to 2026.pic.twitter.com/DLlRCWrWes

— RAS.football (@MathBomb) April 7, 2026

Dani Dennis-Sutton EDGE Penn State

Dennis-Sutton appeared in 55 games over his four years at Penn State. He was named third-team All-Big 10 and showed improvement each year he was with the Nittany Lions. He showed off his athleticism as the NFL Scouting Combine and may have improved his stock significantly because of that. At nearly 6’6” with over 33’ arms, his length is something scouts salivate over. He was also a three-time Academic All-Big 10 honoree. He played in the Senior Bowl and has had multiple meetings with the Commanders.

Dani Dennis-Sutton is a DE prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.93 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 15 out of 2046 DE from 1987 to 2026.

Splits projected, all times unofficial, agilities left to run.pic.twitter.com/AHbnETNiI7

— RAS.football (@MathBomb) February 26, 2026

Bud Clark S TCU

Clark put himself on the map with an outstanding Senior Bowl week, where he continued to make plays during one-on-ones and in team seven-on-seven drills. The sixth year-senior was a four-year starter who played in a combined 61 career games for the Horned Frogs collecting 15 interceptions during his time starting. He was a three-year team captain and has been lauded by his coaches for his leadership on and off the field. He was second team All-Big 12 as a senior. He met with the Commanders at the Senior Bowl.

Bud Clark is a FS prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.32 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 84 out of 1213 FS from 1987 to 2026.

Pending agilities and bench, splits projected.pic.twitter.com/UpPfHayHIt

— RAS.football (@MathBomb) February 27, 2026

Skyler Bell WR UConn

Bell started his collegiate career at Wisconsin where he saw action in 26 games with 14 starts. He transferred to UConn after his redshirt sophomore year and really thrived. During his senior year with the Huskies, he hauled in a single-season school record 101 passes for 1278 yards and 13 touchdowns. He earned first-team AP All-American honors and was a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award given to the nation’s top wider receiver. He received invites to both the Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine Bowl. Skyler has met multiple times with the Commanders including the Shrine Bowl and at his pro day. Besides being named a team captain, Bell checks off all the boxes on this list.

Skyler Bell is a WR prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.71 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 111 out of 3830 WR from 1987 to 2026.

Pending bench and agiliites, splits projected.pic.twitter.com/1SV2qk8eh3

— RAS.football (@MathBomb) February 28, 2026

Daylen Everett CB Georgia

Everett is a long, athletic outside corner who played in 55 games (41 starts) with the Bulldogs over his four years in Athens. He was named as a third team All-SEC selection as a junior and senior and played in the Senior Bowl in February. He’s scheme diverse and can even play some in the slot. He’s met with the Commanders on multiple occasions including the Senior Bowl, Combine and top 30.

Daylen Everette is a CB prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored a 9.89 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 34 out of 3069 CB from 1987 to 2026.pic.twitter.com/kKvRmZPFdV

— RAS.football (@MathBomb) April 7, 2026

Later Round Picks:

Josh Cameron WR Baylor

Cameron is a big-bodied wide receiver/punt returner (6’1 1/2” 220) who is a nightmare to tackle in the open field. He was a first-team All-Big 12 wide receiver and honorable mention return specialist his final year at Baylor, and he had an excellent Senior Bowl week in Mobile. Josh had 19 receiving touchdowns over his final two seasons and averaged nearly 21 yards per punt return as a junior. He’s had multiple meetings with the Commanders.

#Baylor WR Josh Cameron is a big-bodied possession receiver that has strong hands at the catch point and knows how to box out defenders on 50/50 passes and coming back to the ball on curl routes and crossers.

A Day 3 receiver that I think can compete for a WR 3/4 spot in the NFL pic.twitter.com/ibaram9PWT

— Devin Jackson (@RealD\_Jackson) April 8, 2026

Ephesians Prysock CB Washington

Prysock is a long, rangy, athletic, raw corner with press-man and zone versatility. He participated in the Senior Bowl and held his own in Mobile against good competition. He played in a combined 49 career games between Arizona and Washington and was honorable mention All-Pac 12. His athletic traits at his size are intriguing. He met with the Commanders at the Senior Bowl.

Ephesians Prysock is a CB prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored a 9.66 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 96 out of 2822 CB from 1987 to 2026.

Pending Pro Day.pic.twitter.com/pX0Fh649nW

— RAS.football (@MathBomb) March 18, 2026

Jake Slaughter C Florida

Slaughter was an All-American center and team captain for the Gators, appearing in 55 games over his five years in Gainesville. He fits best in a zone blocking scheme where he can used his good athleticism to seal off lanes. Coaches have raved about his character and leadership. He met with the Commanders at the Senior Bowl.

Jake Slaughter is a OC prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.91 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 7 out of 679 OC from 1987 to 2026.

Pending agilities and bench, times unofficial.pic.twitter.com/coJadDUQ0y

— RAS.football (@MathBomb) March 1, 2026

Jack Kelly LB BYU

Kelly is a five-year player who made the jump to BYU from Webber State. In 25 games for the Cougars he posted 106 total tackles, 23.5 for a loss, 15 sacks, four forced fumbles and an interception. He was a two-time team captain who had a nice Senior Bowl week in Mobile.

Jack Kelly is a LB prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.83 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 57 out of 3215 LB from 1987 to 2026.

Splits projected, all times unofficial, agilities left to run, bench tomorrow.pic.twitter.com/9MCJXkObwJ

— RAS.football (@MathBomb) February 27, 2026

**Eli Heidenreich** WR/RB Navy

Heidenreich is a four-year member of the United States Naval Academy football team who redshirted as a freshman. He went on to play in 38 games over his final three seasons, setting school records with 1994 receiving yards and 16 receiving touchdowns while earning All-Conference recognition and an invite to the East-West Shrine Bowl. He recently attended a local combine put on by the Commanders. He met with the Commanders on multiple occasions.

Eli Heidenreich is a RB prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored an unofficial 8.79 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 1820 out of 14998 B from 1987 to 2026.

Still awaiting official splits from the Combine, but pro day testing went well.pic.twitter.com/3qkSMqu6oY

— RAS.football (@MathBomb) March 12, 2026

Pat Coogan C Indiana

Coogan started his career at Notre Dame playing in 30 games for the Irish during his four years with the program. He entered the transfer portal in 2025 and quickly found a home with the Indiana Hoosiers. He would go on to start all 16 games for the National Champions, being named second-team All-Big 10, offensive MVP of the Rose Bowl and was a finalist for the Joe Moore award given to the nation’s top offensive lineman. Coogan was a game-day captain and routinely gave weekly pregame and halftime speeches to the offense throughout the season. At 6’5” 311, Pat ran a 5.19 40 and 4,93 short-shuttle while boasting a 30” vertical. He played in the East-West Shine game and met with the Commanders there.

Pat Coogan (6’5 311) Indiana

• Competitive leader
• Good power in his hands
• Versatility and experience at left guard and center
• Effective hand usage
• Football IQ
• National champion
• Over 2,600 snaps played
• 84.0 pass block grade in 2025

– 4 penalties in 2024 (just 2… pic.twitter.com/JNPqSnLFrj

— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 4, 2026

**Who could be eliminated from Peters’ board?**

**Maki Lemon WR USC:** The talented slot receiver was said to have had some of the worst interviews of all players at the combine. Could the Top 30 visit be a way Washington’s brass is giving him a second chance to make a third impression? **Jordyn Tyson WR Arizona State:** Another top wide receiver this time with a different issue – injuries. When heathy, he’s as talented as anyone in this class, but he’s not been able to stay on the field in college and that could be magnified in the NFL. **Zion Young EDGE Missouri:** Young’s off-field issues are well documented, and teams have to be leery spending a high pick on a guy with serious legal allegations. **Reuben Bain EDGE Miami:** Short arms, not a scheme fit, lack of athleticism – take your pick here. **Akheem Mesidore EDGE Miami:** The other Miami stout-boy has his share of concerns too. He will be a 25-year-old rookie with an injury history. That’s enough to make even the sharpest general pause.