Adam Peters made the aggressive moves needed to potentially keep the Washington Commanders in the Super Bowl hunt during the offseason. Unfortunately, things have not gone as anyone associated with the franchise expected.
It's been one disaster after another for the Commanders at the midseason point. Injuries have decimated the roster. Young players expected to progress haven't lived up to their billing. The NFL's oldest roster looks exactly that — a massive problem holding the team back right now.
Peters opted to stand pat at the 2025 trade deadline. Fans were anticipating a couple of outgoings, given the Commanders' slow start this season. But either no suitable interest arrived, or the offers weren't enough for the front-office leader to remove certain players from the equation.
The Commanders will move forward with what they have over the second half of 2025. Even so, it's clear that Peters has an awful lot of hard work ahead when the next offseason arrives to get this ambitious project back on track.
Using the Pro Football Network simulator, we took an early look at how Peters might approach his draft picks in a special seven-round midseason mock.
Commanders 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft at the midseason point
Commanders draft Arvell Reese
Linebacker | Ohio State Buckeyes
Round No. 1 | No. 8 overall
The Washington Commanders only have six selections at their disposal next spring. They have two picks in the first four rounds, so trading down or finding another way to acquire selections is something Adam Peters needs to consider at some stage.
Washington's lackluster form has them sitting at No. 8 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft as things stand. Not exactly where Petters envisaged this squad would be, but it gives him more options if the same trend continues.
Finding defensive help should be at the top of his priorities. The Commanders are desperate for an injection of explosiveness, physicality, and dynamism. That's where Arvell Reese comes in.
Reese has taken college football by storm this season. His first real involvement with the Ohio State Buckeyes resulted in a national championship last season. He's raised his influence exponentially in 2025, and his draft stock is soaring along the way.
The prospect is a sideline-to-sideline presence against the run, getting to the ball carrier quickly and violently. He's got the size to impact proceedings as a pass-rusher, and his movements are fluid enough to become an asset in coverage. If Bobby Wagner leaves the Commanders this offseason as expected, Reese represents a ready-made replacement.