ASHBURN, VA — The Washington Commanders aren’t just sitting on the No. 7 overall pick; they’re listening to their locker room leader. Terry McLaurin, the face of the franchise, dropped names and a clear strategy for the front office during his appearance on the “Built Different Podcast” this week. Following a bruising 5-12 campaign in 2025, the pressure is on General Manager Adam Peters to hit a home run next Thursday in Pittsburgh.
The Buckeye Connection: A Pipeline to D.C.?
McLaurin didn’t hide his bias for his alma mater, but his reasoning was strictly business. Washington needs an explosive weapon to pair with quarterback Jayden Daniels, who is entering a make-or-break third season. Ohio State wideout Carnell Tate has emerged as the most logical fit. Tate averaged a staggering 17.2 yards per catch in 2025, showcasing the vertical threat Washington lacked last season.
The Commanders’ defense, which struggled to find its identity under Dan Quinn last year, could also benefit from the Columbus-to-Ashburn pipeline. McLaurin pointed to three defensive standouts:
- Caleb Downs (Safety): A versatile playmaker who could solve the deep-third issues that haunted the secondary last November.
- Sonny Styles (Linebacker): An athletic freak who posted a 43.5-inch vertical jump at the combine. He’s the modern answer to the athletic tight ends in the NFC East.
- Arvell Reese (Edge/LB): A twitchy pass rusher who fits Quinn’s aggressive scheme like a glove.
“I think we’re in a very unique situation. I think we could go best player available. We’ve done a really good job in free agency so far,” McLaurin noted. “When you get that top-10 pick, another receiver… there’s some great Buckeye defensive players, as well.”
The Jeremiyah Love Wildcard
While the Buckeye buzz is loud, McLaurin also gave a nod to Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love. With 2026 Draft experts split on whether a running back belongs in the top 10, Love’s elite contact balance and receiving skills make him hard to ignore. If Washington wants to take the load off Daniels and move toward a more balanced attack, Love is the clear-cut choice at No. 7.
The Commanders entered the offseason with holes at linebacker and edge, but after signing Odafe Oweh and Leo Chenal, the “Best Player Available” (BPA) approach is no longer a luxury—it’s a viable strategy. Washington currently lacks a second-round pick in this cycle, making this No. 7 selection the foundation of their entire 2026 class.
The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 23 at Acrisure Stadium. For the Commanders, the decision at No. 7 will signal their commitment to the Daniels era. Whether they grab a Buckeye playmaker like Tate to stretch the field or a defensive anchor like Styles, the goal is simple: avoid another double-digit loss season. If they pass on a receiver early, look for them to explore a trade-down to recoup the second-round capital they lost in previous trades.
