Commanders Fall to Eagles, Slide Up Draft Board as Eyes Turn Toward 2026
The Washington Commanders dropped their third straight game on Saturday, falling 29-18 to the Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField. The loss brings Washington to 4-11 on the season with just two games left - and while the playoff picture is out of reach, the draft picture is starting to come into sharper focus.
Heading into Week 16, the Commanders were projected to pick No. 8 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. But with their latest loss, combined with wins by the Saints and Bengals, Washington bumped up one spot to No.
- It’s not the kind of scoreboard watching fans hoped for back in September, but at this point in the season, positioning for the future has taken center stage.
Draft Order Watch: Commanders Climb Without Winning
Here’s where things stand: Washington’s remaining schedule features two tough matchups - a home game against the Dallas Cowboys, followed by a rematch in Philadelphia to close out the year. They’ve already opened as underdogs against Dallas, and with quarterback Marcus Mariota now battling multiple injuries, the offense is facing even more uncertainty down the stretch.
If the Commanders drop both of their remaining games, they could climb even higher in the draft order, depending on how the teams ahead of them finish. That includes a crowded group of 3-12 squads - the Browns, Jets, Titans, and Cardinals - all of whom are within striking distance for a top-five pick.
Here’s the updated top of the 2026 NFL Draft order:
- New York Giants (2-13)
- Las Vegas Raiders (2-13)
- Cleveland Browns (3-12)
- New York Jets (3-12)
- Tennessee Titans (3-12)
- Arizona Cardinals (3-12)
- Washington Commanders (4-11)
- New Orleans Saints (5-10)
- Cincinnati Bengals (5-10)
- Miami Dolphins (6-9)
The rest of the league is still jostling for playoff seeding or wild-card spots, but for Washington, this is about setting the table for a critical offseason.
Looking Ahead: Draft Capital and Trade Possibilities
The Commanders currently hold six selections in the upcoming draft, with a potential sixth-round compensatory pick still in play. They’ve already traded away their second- and fourth-round picks in a deal with the Houston Texans for left tackle Laremy Tunsil - a move that made sense following last season’s 12-5 run to the NFC Championship Game. But with the team now in a different place, those picks could end up being more valuable than initially expected.
Here’s the Commanders’ current 2026 draft outlook:
- Round 1
- Round 3
- Round 4 (Traded to Houston)
- Round 5
- Round 6
- Round 7
There’s also the possibility of trading down from their first-round spot to accumulate more assets - a strategy that could be especially appealing if a quarterback-needy team wants to move up. And with a new front office regime led by Adam Peters, player trades could be on the table as well, especially if Washington wants to reshape the roster quickly.
Big Decisions Ahead
For Washington, the final two weeks of the season aren’t just about finishing strong - they’re about evaluating talent, managing injuries, and positioning themselves for a pivotal offseason. Whether it’s securing a top-five pick or exploring trade scenarios, the next few months will shape the direction of the franchise for years to come.
And with uncertainty at quarterback, questions on both lines, and a coaching situation that could be in flux, every draft slot matters. The Commanders may be out of the playoff race, but the real game - the one that determines the future of the franchise - is just beginning.