The Washington Commanders hope to buttress their voluminous free agency haul with a shrewd selection in the NFL Draft. After a 5-12 season, general manager Adam Peters needs a strong draft to push the franchise back into contention. ESPN writer John Keim detailed what the team needs to focus on from April 23 to April 25.
“The Commanders simply need more good players, but some positions definitely need more help. They fortified their receiver depth but lack a strong No. 2 opposite Terry McLaurin after Alec Pierce and Romeo Doubs opted for other situations. ”
Last year, the team traded for Deebo Samuel. Samuel caught 72 passes but averaged just 10.1 yards per reception. He didn’t provide the Commanders with a bookend threat to force the defense to slide coverage his way.
Now, Peters and the offense once again look like they need a No. 2 wideout. Additionally, the No. 7 pick could be the spot. A player like Ohio State wideout Carnell Tate, who stands six-foot-two, would give Washington the contested catch and vertical leverage ability.
GettyOhio State wide receiver Carnell Tate
Draft Depth at Wideout Becomes Profound Help
Washington does not possess a draft selection between the No. 7 and No. 71 picks. In most years, that could hurt a team that wants to fill a particular spot. In contrast, this draft, with its many estimates, sets up nicely for teams that want to prioritize positions and will not need to reach them. For example, after Tate, depending on what the team values, a suitable No. 2 could be had several times over.
Regarding Tate, as mentioned, he isn’t a burner. However, he doesn’t need to be. The Commanders need certainty at wide receivers. For example, with Tate’s length, working crossing patterns with tight end Chig Okonkwo is possible. Okonkwo runs like a bigger wideout that can slice under coverage in what appears to be a rub route.
Overall, the Commanders can emerge from the draft with multiple starters. However, wide receiver seems like the most pressing need. McLaurin, in Peters’ words, should see double-digit targets each game. If that happens, the Commanders will need another wideout to balance the offense.
Carnell Tate profiles as a true No. 1 at the next level 🔥 pic.twitter.com/71ZMmyLpiz
— Underdog NFL Draft – Josh & Hayden (@UDFootballShow) April 3, 2026
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Under-the-Radar Talents Could Boost Offense from Week 1
Two names that appear to avoid the conversation are largely lesser-known prospects: Connecticut’s Skyler Bell and North Dakota State’s Bryce Lance. On one hand, while Bell can operate in the slot, he moves around, giving offenses different looks.
GettyConnecticut WR Skyler Bell.
While Bell does present a speed palette, he can get open in other ways. On underneath routes, Bell can shake defenders with foot placement paired with explosion. During his final year at Connecticut, Bell caught 101 passes, showing his ability to evolve into a volume catcher.
Call me crazy but I might have a higher grade on Skyler Bell than I do KC Concepcion.pic.twitter.com/tvLW494HLc
— John Chapman (@JL_Chapman) March 24, 2026
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Meanwhile, Lance fits the profile of a prototypical outside target. With size (6’3″, 204 pounds) and 4.34 speed, the Commanders would see another target that will threaten secondaries. Yet, there is one aspect the NDSU standout needs to work on.
GettyNorth Dakota State wide receiver Bryce Lance.
In Fargo, Lance thrives as the best athlete on the field. He could run past and outjump corners and safeties with ease. That does not mean the NFL will succeed. Despite the route issues, Lance’s athletic ability could be enough to make him a member of the Commanders. With the ball in his hands, Lance can take it down the field. Can the Commanders improve their wide receiver corps?
Bryce Lance
A captivating talent (one I couldn’t help but compare to Christian Watson), Lance scored a TD on 1 out of every 5 touches in his final two seasons at NDSU. pic.twitter.com/w4FSV8In4j— All 22 Films (@All_22_NFL_Cuts) March 24, 2026
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