Excitement is building ahead of the NFL season. The Washington Commanders look primed for another deep postseason run if everyone gets a clear run of luck on the health front. But for those in the front office and scouting department, attention is elsewhere.
The college football campaign is officially underway. That means draft plans are already being formed behind the scenes as prospects increase or diminish their stock based on performances in a high-profile setting.
Considering how the Commanders are always thinking two steps ahead with general manager Adam Peters leading the charge, the hard work has already begun to ensure Washington hits the ground running when the offseason assessment phase begins. And after two good drafts from the front-office leader so far, another will put this storied franchise on the right path to long-term prosperity.
The Commanders have six picks as things stand. They don't have second or fourth-round selections right now after acquiring five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil from the Houston Texans. However, they got an extra sixth-rounder by shipping running back Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers.
A lot can and will change in the coming months. But using the Pro Football Network simulator, we took an early look at what the Commanders might need in this seven-round mock draft.
Commanders' 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft as college football chaos commences
Commanders draft Anthony Hill Jr.
Linebacker | Texas Longhorns
Round No. 1 | Pick No. 27
The Washington Commanders' linebacking corps will be spearheaded by Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu once again this season. This duo led a sensational turnaround on and off the field in 2024, both earning second-team All-Pro honors and firmly establishing themselves as locker room leaders along the way.
That shouldn't stop the Commanders from strengthening the defensive second level in 2026. Wagner and Nick Bellore aren't getting any younger. Kain Medrano and Jordan Magee have promise, but there's just no telling what they might be capable of long term.
If Wagner retires, this becomes a more pressing need. Adam Peters would be wise to keep tabs on Anthony Hill Jr. throughout the college campaign, with the decorated Texas standout set for a first-round grade if the same trend continues.
Hill is an exceptional talent with the physical attributes Dan Quinn looks for in his second-level defenders. If he can refine his angles against the run during the 2025 campaign, he might even be out of reach for the Commanders when push comes to shove.