With only two picks in the first four rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Washington Commanders are walking a tightrope. Every selection counts-especially at No. 7 overall. That’s where new general manager Adam Peters faces a pivotal decision: stay put and land a potential cornerstone, or trade back and gather more assets for a roster still in the early stages of a rebuild.
Given the state of Washington’s defense, it’s hard to imagine that pick going anywhere but that side of the ball. The Commanders are thin-both in terms of starting-caliber talent and depth.
For head coach Dan Quinn and newly hired defensive coordinator Daronte Jones to get this unit back on track, they’ll need more than just scheme. They need a difference-maker.
And if one happens to fall into their lap at No. 7, they can’t afford to pass.
Enter Arvell Reese-a name that’s been buzzing in league circles for months now. The Ohio State linebacker is drawing comparisons to Micah Parsons, and not just because of the helmet he wears or the position he plays.
Reese is a rare breed: explosive off the edge, instinctive in space, and capable of wrecking a game from multiple alignments. He’s the kind of chess piece Quinn has thrived with in the past.
One draft analyst even called Reese a “dream fit” for the Commanders, noting that while Ohio State may not have fully unleashed him under defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, the tools are all there. And in the right hands-say, Jones and Quinn-he could be a game-changer.
But here’s the catch: Reese likely won’t be there at No. 7.
Most mock drafts have him off the board by the second pick, headed to the New York Jets. In fact, he’s not falling out of the top five in any major projections. And with Washington lacking the draft capital to move up, the odds of Reese slipping to them are slim to none.
That doesn’t mean the Commanders are out of options. Far from it.
Texas Tech’s David Bailey is a name to watch-an edge rusher with burst and bend who could give Washington some much-needed juice off the perimeter. Ohio State’s Caleb Downs brings versatility and range at safety, while Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. offers interior disruption and a relentless motor. If linebacker remains the priority, Sonny Styles-another Buckeye-could be the next name on the board.
Still, if Reese is somehow still there when Washington is on the clock, don’t expect them to hesitate. He’s the kind of player who can anchor a defense for years.
But fans should temper expectations. The Commanders may love Reese’s fit, but the draft board may not cooperate.
In a draft where Washington can’t afford to miss, the dream scenario is clear. The reality? That’s a little more complicated.