The 2026 NFL Draft is just around the corner, and excitement is palpable as the Washington Commanders and other teams finalize their strategies. With pre-draft meetings and workouts complete, the rumor mill is in overdrive, speculating on potential picks and trades. General Manager Adam Peters succinctly captured the chaotic nature of draft season: “It’s hard to really understand or figure out where everything’s going to go, where everybody’s going to go, and man, you hear something new every day, right? Really everybody’s, nobody’s telling the truth.” As the draft approaches, let’s delve into the latest buzz surrounding the Commanders.
Ohio State WR Carnell Tate is their guy
When it comes to draft insights, ESPN’s Peter Schrager often hits the mark, and this year he’s signaling that Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate could be the Commanders’ primary target. Both Tate and USC wide receiver Makai Lemon had top-30 visits with Washington, fueling speculation about their potential selection. While the interest in Tate appears strong, Lemon is viewed as a wildcard – making it clear that the Commanders have options on their radar as we inch closer to the draft.
Ohio State LB Sonny Styles is head coach Dan Quinn’s guy
In the defensive realm, linebacker Sonny Styles is generating significant buzz, particularly among coaching staff. Sources indicate that Styles is a favorite of head coach Dan Quinn, and while he may be off the board before the Commanders pick, his name resonates with potential. Additionally, running back Jeremiyah Love has also attracted interest from the Commanders, though speculation suggests both players could be difficult to snag.
Titans passing on Jeremiyah Love?
The speculation surrounding running back Jeremiyah Love is heating up as well. Although many anticipate the Tennessee Titans selecting Love with the No. 4 pick, Schrager is throwing a wrench into that assumption. As chatter mounts, it appears that if the Titans pass on Love, the New York Giants at No. 5 may be poised to swoop in. Washington fans should keep a close watch on this scenario, as it could shift the Commanders’ strategies dramatically.
Commanders are the ‘floor’ for Jeremiyah Love
As the anticipation builds, it seems increasingly likely that Love won’t slip past the Commanders. There’s a growing sentiment that Washington represents the “floor” for his draft prospects, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. With their substantial liking for Love evident throughout the pre-draft process, it seems that if Love is available when the Commanders are on the clock, he’s destined to join their ranks.
Trade down unlikely?
While the lure of trading down is often appealing, GM Adam Peters is signaling that it may not be in the cards for the Commanders this year. Although he didn’t provide specifics, his comments suggest that Washington will likely stick with their No. 7 pick. Trade discussions typically hinge on finding a willing partner, and the current climate indicates that the Commanders may prefer to stay put and secure a blue-chip talent rather than gamble on a trade. This sentiment is echoed by Bram Weinstein, who has also described a move back in the draft as “unlikely.”
Of course, anything can change on draft night, especially if a team comes knocking with a compelling offer. It’s worth noting that the Commanders are operating without picks in both the second and fourth rounds, further complicating their strategy and underscoring the importance of their first-round position.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Tracking Commanders’ latest news, rumors, and buzz
