An NFL insider has outlined a potential draft-night scenario that would see the Washington Commanders trade down from the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft in exchange for additional selections.
In a mock draft published on The McShay Report on April 15, Todd McShay projected a deal between Washington and the New York Jets that would reshape the Commanders’ strategy while adding draft capital.
Commanders Trade Down Scenario Adds Draft Capital
According to McShay’s projection, Washington would trade the No. 7 pick to the Jets in exchange for picks No. 16, No. 44, and No. 140.
“By moving back from no. 7 to no. 16, Washington is able to recoup its second-round pick while adding an extra fourth-rounder, bringing its total draft capital to eight selections,” McShay wrote.
In this scenario, the Commanders would select Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. with the No. 16 pick.
McShay explained that the move would address a key need on offense.
“The bigger picture is this: The Commanders have a young star at quarterback in Jayden Daniels but not nearly enough playmaking talent around him,” McShay wrote. “New OC David Blough is looking for size and run-after-the-catch physicality on the outside, and Cooper checks those boxes.”
He added, “He would step in as an immediate starter, and his inside-out versatility would give Blough flexibility in three-receiver sets.”
Jets Move Up for Carnell Tate in Mock Draft
In McShay’s projection, the Jets use the acquired No. 7 pick to select Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate.
“The Jets have plenty of draft capital, and they’re not interested in sitting back at 16 and watching the top three receivers come off the board,” McShay wrote.
He added, “They use their second of two Round 2 picks (no. 44) and a fourth-rounder (no. 140) to move up and secure the most complete wide receiver in the class in Tate.”
McShay described Tate as a strong fit for New York’s offense.
“Tate brings the profile they’re missing. He’s over 6-foot-2 with massive 10 1/4–inch hands,” McShay wrote. “He wins where it matters as an exceptional deep route runner with strong ball skills.”
Omar Cooper Jr. Emerges as Commanders Draft Target
Cooper has also drawn attention from Washington ahead of the draft.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported the Commanders hosted Cooper on an official pre-draft visit, part of a broader effort by the team to evaluate wide receiver prospects.
The 6-foot, 199-pound receiver is coming off a standout season at Indiana, where he recorded 69 receptions for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns while helping the Hoosiers win a national championship.
Cooper is widely viewed as a first-round prospect and is often ranked among the top receivers in the class.
Draft analyst Lance Zierlein described him as “a big, strong target whose two-year rise is bolstered by translatable tape,” via TribLive.
Zierlein added that Cooper is “rugged once the ball is in his hands,” comparing his run-after-catch ability to former All-Pro Deebo Samuel.
Washington’s interest in wide receivers reflects a broader effort to build around Daniels. The team currently has Terry McLaurin, Luke McCaffrey, Jaylin Lane, Dyami Brown, Treylon Burks, Van Jefferson, Jacoby Jones, Ja’Corey Brooks, and Nick Nash under contract for 2026.
Commanders Continue Evaluating Wide Receiver Options
The Commanders have explored multiple options at the position throughout the pre-draft process.
In addition to meeting with Cooper, the team has evaluated several top prospects through visits and workouts. Washington also previously pursued veteran receivers in free agency.
Cooper’s production and physical profile make him a potential fit if the team opts to trade down and add more selections.
The 22-year-old averaged 21.2 yards per catch during the 2024 season and posted a 4.42-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.
His performance included a 75-yard touchdown run, one of the longest by a wide receiver in Indiana program history.
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