As we gear up for the 2026 NFL Draft, the landscape is anything but predictable, especially with the Las Vegas Raiders holding the No. 1 overall pick. The buzz around this draft is fueled by a mix of factors, including a scarcity of top-tier talent and a draft class with only one quarterback considered worthy of a top-10 selection. This unpredictability is further amplified by the diverse needs of teams picking early, like the Washington Commanders.
The Commanders, sitting at the No. 7 spot, find themselves in a position where almost anything could happen. They have a laundry list of needs, spanning from defensive upgrades to bolstering their wide receiver and tight end positions. Thankfully, with a healthy budget for free agency, Washington can address some of these gaps before draft day.
When Washington's turn comes, the possibilities are wide open. They could target an edge rusher, an off-ball linebacker, a cornerback, a safety, a wide receiver, or even a running back. Mock drafts have been varied, but there's a growing consensus around one name: LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane.
NFL analyst Charles Davis, known for his insightful game commentary on CBS and his expertise on NFL.com, has projected Delane to land in Washington in his first mock draft.
Delane is the draft's premier cornerback, and Washington appears poised to make significant defensive investments this offseason. With his impressive size and speed, Delane brings versatility to the table.
His college career began with three solid years at Virginia Tech before he transferred to LSU in 2025, where he earned All-American honors. Known for his physicality, Delane excels in press-man coverage but is equally adept in zone schemes.
Should the Commanders select Delane, he would become the third cornerback they've drafted in as many years, following Mike Sainristil in 2024 and Trey Amos in 2025, both second-round picks. This potential pick signals Washington's commitment to building a formidable defense, one that could be a cornerstone for their future success.