NFL Draft
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CTommanders pre-draft preparation.
With the Washington Commanders expected to draft Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the seventh-overall pick, what happens if he’s gone? Love, considered the only first-round running back, could be selected earlier. As a result, Washington may need to trade down. ESPN writer Bill Barnwell devised a scenario in which Washington trades their current No. 7 pick to the Baltimore Ravens.
In return, the Commanders would receive the Ravens’ first-round pick (No. 14), second-round pick (No. 53), third-round pick (No. 80), and fifth-round pick (No. 154) in this year’s draft. Additionally, the Ravens would send Washington a third-round selection in next year’s draft. Barnwell justifies this swap as follows:
“The Commanders were the league’s oldest team on a snap-weighted basis in 2025. They made just five picks a year ago, and only two of those were top-125 selections. Dan Quinn’s team also doesn’t have its second- and fourth-round picks in this year’s draft because of the Laremy Tunsil trade.”
Tunsil is a perennially elite left tackle. Jayden Daniels needs a blindside blocker who keeps the play going and defenders out of his face. In essence, no tackle in the last couple of drafts could step in and provide similar value. However, the move depleted the picks and made free agency even more important.
Furthermore, the age issue becomes problematic. The NFL strives to become younger, faster, and more explosive every year. General manager Adam Peters took the veteran route last season. Combined with injuries, the lack of athleticism hurt. The offense failed to tally 300 yards ten times last season. Plus, the offense scores 21 or fewer points during a game.
Adam Peters won’t get into specifics about Tyler Biadasz but makes clear Washington explored all their options before his release pic.twitter.com/EfWKsBm0Qd
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) March 30, 2026
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Peters Needs Picks for Roster Depth
In potentially trading down, the Commanders would gain valuable picks. Peters wouldn’t have to lean on attacking the free agency market with vigor. The best NFL teams seem to blend free agent signings with a profound draft strategy. For example, the Philadelphia Eagles attacked the draft, not just for starting talent but for depth.
They drafted Nakobe Dean, whose Philadelphia career ended due to chronic injury concerns. The team went in a different direction, didn’t skip a beat, and won the Super Bowl. Likewise, the Seattle Seahawks grabbed a free agent quarterback in Sam Darnold, but drafted Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Devon Weatherspoon, Boye Mafe, and Julian Love, among others. Depth wins games.
Taking Advantage of Desperation
The Ravens fired longtime head coach John Harbaugh. General manager Eric DeCosta’s roster is enduring numerous departures in free agency. Not to mention, center Tyler Linderbaum, who left for Las Vegas.
DeCosta traded for Maxx Crosby, then reneged on the deal, signing Trey Hendrickson instead. The team endured a national flogging for the move. Looped in with the departures, DeCosta could be trying to keep the window of competition open. Desperation could make the deal possible as the team goes all in.
Two Teams, Close Vicinity, and Disparate Paths
Both the Ravens and the Commanders aim for playoff contention, but their circumstances differ significantly. The Ravens, anchored by an experienced quarterback and a new coach, have some runway. The Commanders, with a young signal-caller and pressure mounting on their head coach, need immediate progress.
The decision to trade could reshape both teams’ futures. A bold, well-balanced deal may be what each side needs—a move that either propels them forward or defines their season.
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