Every January, the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama turns into a proving ground for some of college football’s most NFL-ready talent. It’s not just a game - it’s a week-long audition in front of coaches, scouts, and front office execs, and for the Washington Commanders, it’s a critical stop on the road to the 2026 NFL Draft.
With only two picks currently inside the top 100, new GM Adam Peters has little margin for error. He’ll need to find impact players, and fast. Fortunately for Washington, this year’s Senior Bowl roster is loaded with talent at several of the team’s biggest positions of need - especially on defense.
Let’s break down some of the names to watch, grouped by position, and how they might fit into the Commanders’ draft plans.
EDGE Rushers
Washington’s pass rush needs a reboot. With the departures of Chase Young and Montez Sweat, the Commanders are thin off the edge - and this draft class offers some intriguing options.
David Bailey (Texas Tech, 6’3”, 250, RD 1) brings a twitchy first step and a relentless motor. He’s a high-upside pass rusher who could immediately compete for snaps.
Reuben Bain Jr. (Miami, 6’2”, 277, RD 1) and Akheem Mesidor (Miami, 6’3”, 275, RD 1) both offer versatility, capable of lining up inside or out. Bain, in particular, has the kind of explosive power that translates well to the pro level.
T.J. Parker (Clemson, 6’3”, 265, RD 1-2) is a name that’s been climbing boards all year. He’s polished, productive, and plays with the kind of edge that defensive coordinators love.
If the Commanders look to add depth later, Dani Dennis-Sutton (Penn State, 6’5”, 265, RD 2-3) and L.T. Overton (Alabama, 6’5”, 278, RD 2-3) both bring NFL-ready frames and SEC pedigree.
Safety
The backend of Washington’s defense has struggled to find consistency, and this year’s Senior Bowl class includes several safeties who could step in and help right away.
AJ Haulcy (LSU, 6’0”, 222, RD 2) is a downhill thumper with range - think of him as a tone-setter in the secondary. He’s physical, instinctive, and built for today’s hybrid safety roles.
Kamari Ramsey (USC, 6’0”, 204, RD 2) and Genesis Smith (Arizona, 6’2”, 204, RD 2-3) offer strong coverage skills and the ability to match up with tight ends - something Washington has struggled with in recent years.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo, 6’3”, 209, RD 2-3) is a bit of a sleeper, but his size and ball skills could make him a riser during the week in Mobile.
Linebacker
Washington’s linebacker corps has lacked both depth and dynamism. Two names to watch in the mid-round range:
Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech, 6’1”, 230, RD 3-4) flies to the ball and brings leadership intangibles, while Jack Kelly (BYU, 6’2”, 242, RD 3-4) offers a more traditional thumper profile with solid instincts between the tackles.
Wide Receiver
Terry McLaurin remains the WR1 in D.C., but the Commanders could use another dynamic playmaker to stretch the field and create mismatches.
KC Concepcion (Texas A&M, 5’11”, 190, RD 1-2) is a slippery slot weapon with elite acceleration. He can take a short throw and turn it into a chunk play - something Washington’s offense desperately needs.
Elijah Sarratt (Indiana, 6’2”, 210, RD 2-3) brings size and physicality, while Ja’Kobi Lane (USC, 6’4”, 195, RD 2-3) has the kind of catch radius that quarterbacks love. Ted Hurst (Georgia State, 6’3”, 195, RD 3-4) is another name to monitor - a late riser with intriguing upside.
Cornerback
The Commanders’ secondary has been a weak spot, and this cornerback group offers both length and versatility.
Julian Neal (Arkansas, 6’2”, 200, RD 1-2) is a physical press corner who thrives in man coverage. He’s the kind of player who could come in and start from Day 1.
Chris Johnson (San Diego State, 6’0”, 185, RD 2) and Will Lee III (Texas A&M, 6’2”, 190, RD 2) both bring strong instincts and fluid hips - perfect traits for a zone-heavy scheme.
Tacario Davis (Washington, 6’3”, 190, RD 3-4) and Hezekiah Masses (Cal, 6’1”, 185, RD 3-4) round out a deep group of Day 2-3 options with developmental upside.
Tight End
Washington could look to add a young tight end to complement their current group, and Justin Joly (Stanford, 6’3”, 252, RD 3) fits the mold. He’s a reliable target over the middle with soft hands and enough blocking ability to stay on the field in multiple personnel sets.
What Really Matters This Week
While the game itself gets the spotlight, the real value of the Senior Bowl lies in the practices and interviews. This is where teams get to see how players respond to NFL coaching, how they compete against top-tier talent, and how they carry themselves in the film room and team meetings.
For Washington, it’s a chance to get face time with potential picks, evaluate their work ethic, and see who stands out when the pressure’s on. Last year, all three of their top picks - Josh Conerly, Trey Amos, and Jaylin Lane - came out of this event. It’s safe to say the Senior Bowl matters in D.C.
With a new front office in place and a critical draft looming, the Commanders will be watching closely. And if they play their cards right, Mobile could be the place where the next wave of franchise cornerstones begins their journey.