Washington Commanders observers say the team may be turning away from loading up on first-round picks in the near future, a move that would likely be welcomed by both the franchise and its fan base. But that doesn’t mean the Commanders will shy away from high-impact first-round swings when the opportunity presents itself, especially as they continue to surround quarterback Jayden Daniels, the 2024 No. 2 overall pick, with playmakers.
The team already showed that approach in 2025, selecting Oregon offensive tackle Josh Conerly at No. 29. Conerly has already looked like a plug-and-play starter, providing a stable anchor on the line as Daniels develops in the pocket and in the offense.
Looking ahead to the 2026 draft, a prominent draft analyst envisions the Commanders continuing to use the first round to bolster the equipment around Daniels. The projection has Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard going No. 25 overall, a pick that would pair another big target with a young quarterback still ascending.
Bernard, standing 6-foot-1 and 203 pounds, led Alabama with 50 receptions for 794 yards in 2024 but scored only one touchdown. Through three college seasons, he’s totaled just a few touchdowns but has shown the ability to rack up yards and big plays, with at least one 20-yard reception in ten games last season. If a breakout year arrives in 2025, he could elevate his draft stock even further.
Red flags accompany the potential move for Bernard. His college career includes transfers from Michigan State (2022) to Washington (2023) and then to Alabama (2024). In the current NIL era, that level of movement can raise questions about stability and long-term fit, even as a player who loves the offensive system and the coaches he’s worked with.
The Commanders’ wide receiver situation is already a talking point. Star receiver Terry McLaurin earned All-Pro honors in 2024 with 82 receptions for 1,096 yards and a franchise single-season record 13 touchdowns, but he’s currently in a hold-in situation over a new contract extension. If McLaurin isn’t available, Deebo Samuel could provide a boost this season, but his own status is tied to a potential free-agent departure in March. That leaves a group of unproven receivers behind Samuel to fill the gaps, presenting a clear need for more reliable downfield options for Daniels.
In short, the Commanders appear to be weighing a balanced approach: keep a patient, long-term view on draft picks while remaining open to first-round additions that can immediately help Daniels and the offense. If Bernard develops as projected and Daniels continues to grow, Washington could position itself for sustained growth by pairing a solid offensive line with a talented collection of playmakers.
Summary: The Commanders are balancing a long-term drafting strategy with the potential for first-round splash to support Jayden Daniels, while navigating a uncertain but promising receiving corps behind McLaurin, with Bernard as a potential future target and Conerly already providing line stability.
Additional notes for editors:
– Consider adding a brief profile box for Germie Bernard and Josh Conerly to help readers compare expectations.
– Include a sidebar on the evolving wide receiver market, including McLaurin’s contract status and how that affects the team’s draft and free-agent plans.
– If possible, add a short explainer on how transfers in the NIL era can impact draft stock and why teams weigh red flags like multiple program changes.