The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place between April 23 and April 25 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Washington Commanders hold the 7th overall pick. As of April 16, Washington GM Adam Peters stated that they are more likely to draft a player than trade back; however, he did not disclose who their preferred choice was [the suspense is only getting stronger].For weeks, several analysts and experts have linked four particular players to the Commanders: Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate, and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. Now, what does the GM think about these prospects? Let’s find out.
Washington Commanders tied to Jeremiyah Love, Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs, and Carnell Tate at 7th overall pick in 2026 NFL Draft
“You hear something new every day. And nobody’s telling the truth,” Washington GM Adam Peters said of NFL draft rumors. “But what we do is we trust our board, trust our evaluations, and be ready to pick or do whatever we need to do with that pick. I do know this: if we’re sitting there at No. 7 and we do pick, I know we’ll get a good player.” Now, let’s check out each one of those.
Jeremiyah Love
Skor North’s Thor Nystrom does not believe that Love could be available for the Commanders at No. 7. The Notre Dame RB could be drafted earlier than normal. Jayden Daniels’ franchise could have a 28 percent chance of drafting the elite runner at 7th overall.
Sonny Styles
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. suggests Styles for Washington, comparing the Ohio State Buckeyes LB to Bobby Wagner. This is especially due to Dan Quinn’s preference for LBs with elite range and playmaking ability, which drove his decision to sign Wagner for 2024 and 2025. Styles possesses athletic ability, eliminates passing windows, and is a capable blitzer.
Caleb Downs
FOX Sports’ Rob Rang reports the Commanders’ biggest need is in the secondary. Despite signing Nick Cross and Will Harris in free agency, the duo lacks the “game-changing” ability that head coach Dan Quinn preferred in starters with the Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons, and Dallas Cowboys. Ohio State safety Caleb Downs could be that immediate starter due to his elite athleticism.
Carnell Tate
The Ohio State wide receiver recently appeared on The Rich Eisen Show, where he revealed that the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders would be his final two top 30 visits in 2026. Eisen told Tate, “[Terry] McLaurin’s not gonna let you out of the building.” The wideout replied, “No, that’s my guy whenever I need things. He’s there for me, saying, ‘We welcome you with open arms.’” When Eisen pressed for more information, Tate explained that he and Terry McLaurin share the same bond as all Ohio State receivers: they always look out for one another.“So, that’s their way of giving back to us, to help us get to where they are in their process. So, he just said whatever I need, if there are any questions or anything I need, just hit his line, he’s got me. He’ll take care of it,” Tate said.30-year-old Terry McLaurin played for the Ohio State Buckeyes from 2014 to 2018. The Commanders drafted him in 2019 as their third-round, 76th overall pick. Now, with this connection public, it seems plausible that Washington could use the 7th overall pick on Carnell Tate. A veteran will be there to welcome him with open arms and help the rookie acclimate to the NFL gridiron. Will Adam Peters consider this draft prospect? Only time will tell…