5 prospects Commanders could target with their first-round pick

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One benefit of having a terrible season, as the Washington Commanders did in 2025, is that they get to have a top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

For the second time in the last five seasons, the Commanders have a pick inside the top 10. The last time the team had a top 10 pick, they ended up with franchise star Jayden Daniels. This year, with the seventh pick, there are several different directions the team could go.

In general, the team just needs to get younger and faster. The defense is probably the more pressing issue, especially the secondary. With the draft just a couple of months away, let's go ahead and single out five prospects the Commanders could be targeting with their top pick.

Caleb Downs, DB, Ohio State

Caleb Downs has been one of the best safeties in the country over the last couple of seasons. Downs racked up 68 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, and two interceptions in 2025, while earning First-team All-American honors for the second season in a row.

Downs is a physical tackler, has great ball skills, and also boasts one of the best football IQs of any prospect in this class. No matter who the next defensive coordinator is for the Commanders, Downs would fit the system and be a game-changer from Day 1.

Some places even have Downs as the top overall prospect in this class, so if he's available at pick seven, the Commanders shouldn't have to think for long.

Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State

The middle of the Commanders' defense left a lot to be desired in 2025. Arvell Reese would provide the injection of young talent the unit desperately needs.

In 2025, Reese racked up 69 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks, while earning First-team All-American honors for Ohio State. Reese is unique because he excels in coverage as an off-ball linebacker but can also wreak havoc off the edge as a pass-rusher. Reese is the type of plug-and-play prospect that transforms a defense.

Like his teammate Downs, Reese is considered to be among the best overall players in the class and could easily be gone before pick seven. However, the Commanders would love to take the linebacker if he's available.

David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

David Bailey was quietly productive as an edge-rusher at Stanford for three seasons before exploding onto the scene with Texas Tech in 2025. For the Red Raiders, Bailey had 52 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, and 14.5 sacks while earning First-team All-American honors.

Bailey led all Division I players in sacks and has the combination of size and speed that could make him dominate at the next level. The Commanders desperately need a dominant presence on the edge, and there may not be a better option than Bailey.

Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

Like Bailey, Keldric Faulk is an athletic freak off the edge who could be a game-changer. Unlike Bailey, though, Faulk didn't have sack numbers that jump off the page. The Auburn product ended 2025 with 29 tackles, five tackles for loss, and two sacks.

However, Faulk's build, at 6'6" 270, could still make him a top pick. The edge-rusher is quick for his size and has a motor that Dan Quinn would love. Faulk could end up being a bargain at the No. 7 pick when it's all said and done.

Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Jermod McCoy is in the running to be the first corner selected in 2026. The Tennessee product missed the entire 2025 season, but it still projected as a top pick because of his elite 2024 tape.

For the Vols in 2024, McCoy collected 44 tackles, nine pass deflections, and four interceptions. The corner has the speed to keep up with elite receivers and is phenomenal at tracking the ball. The Commanders could use a young, talented corner, and McCoy is exactly that.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: 5 prospects to target with 1st-round pick

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