Commanders surprisingly go all defense in new four-round mock draft
· Yahoo Sports
The Washington Commanders were busy in the first week of free agency. Washington signed 12 external free agents, including seven on defense and five on offense. The Commanders also brought back several key free agents, most notably, backup quarterback Marcus Mariota.
GM Adam Peters missed on a couple of targets, though. Wide receivers Alec Pierce remained in Indianapolis, while Romeo Doubs signed with the Patriots. Additionally, center Tyler Linderbaum signed a contract that reset the interior offensive line market, at an average of $27 million per year.
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With Washington's three misses coming on offense, it would make sense that Peters' focuses on offense in next month's 2026 NFL Draft. Remember, the Commanders are without picks in the second and fourth rounds due to last year's successful trade for Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil.
In a new four-round mock draft for NFL.com, Chad Reuter has Washington going defense with the No. 7 overall pick, landing Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles.
With Bobby Wagner currently in free agency, Styles could step in to replace the veteran leader, using his plus athleticism and nose for the ball to make an immediate impact on the second level of Dan Quinn's defense.
This would be a home run for the Commanders. While Washington signed Leo Chenal, he and Styles would play different positions. Styles can do everything. Although wide receiver would be tempting here, Peters follows his board and takes the best player: Styles.
The Commanders' next pick, No. 71 overall in the third round, Reuter has them taking Arkansas cornerback Julian Neal.
Neal is a 6-foot-2, 203-pound cornerback who ran a 4.49 40-yard dash at last month's 2026 NFL combine and has experience as a press corner. He would be a nice complement to Trey Amos, Mike Sainristil and Amik Robertson.
The biggest issue here is that Reuter could have addressed Washington's receiver or center position, with Louisville WR Chris Bell going just two picks later to the New Orleans Saints. Bell, who is coming off a knee injury, is considered by most to be a first-round talent.
Centers Sam Hecht and Brian Parker II went in the fourth round.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders go all defense in new four-round mock draft