John Portis’ Shocking 2026 NFL Mock Draft: How the Washington Commanders’ Bold Trade Could Change Everything

Full disclosure, I am not a Draftnik at heart. You won’t see me posting the results of my latest mock draft simulator or advertising recently updated rankings. I do find the process interesting, enjoy reading draft profiles and posts, and studying the draft is a great way to increase my knowledge of the NFL. Still, a couple of months of research and discussion is enough for me, and I achieve draft fatigue about this time of year. However, in the last few days before Washington is on the clock, I decided to post my first, final, and only mock draft of 2026 to add a some entertainment before the experts step in and wrap up Hogs Haven’s pre-draft coverage. I hope you enjoy reading the results because there won’t be a version 2.0.

Round 1

Things start off according to plan with Mendoza selected first overall and Reese going to the Jets with the next pick. Arizona is the first true turning point and they select arguably the best pass rusher in the draft, using the third overall selection on Texas Tech’s David Bailey. The Titans break a lot of Commanders fans’ hearts as they realize Cam Ward needs more help to succeed and draft Jeremiyah Love. Harbaugh moves quickly to secure a versatile, hybrid defender in Sonny Styles. The Browns want to trade out of their pick and find a willing partner in the Dallas Cowboys. Washington’s front office holds their breath as Roger Goodell announces that the Cowboys have selected Rueben Bain with the sixth overall pick.

No. 7 Overall-Caleb Downs, Safety, Ohio State

Washington was in talks with the Chiefs regarding trading out this pick, but Kansas City gets leapfrogged by the Cowboys. Adam Peters stands pat and takes a player they love and is a great fit for what Daronte Jones wants to do on defense. The versatile Downs is a force multiplier with a high football IQ and leadership skills that wash out some of the concerns regarding positional value. Caleb represents a great start to the 2026 NFL draft and continues Adam Peters long-term rebuild of the roster with young, highly athletic players that fit their culture.

Others Considered: Carnell Tate, Mansoor Delane

Round 3

Unable to trade down in the first round, Adam Peters and company spend the first part of Day Two watching teams select talented prospects. The wide receiver and cornerback run starts at the end of the first round and continues through the second one as players like Omar Cooper, Malachi Lawrence, Chris Johnson, Denzel Boston, Germie Bernard, Elijah Sarratt, and Keionte Scott come off the board. When the Commanders go on the clock early in the third, they find several of their targets unavailable, but with plenty of talent still left on the board including Ted Hurst, Bryce Lane, Julian Neal, Malik Muhammad, and center prospect Logan Jones. Peters tries to trade down again but finds teams unwilling to part with the desired selections.

No. 71 Overall-Daylen Everette, Cornerback, Georgia

Washington is high on Everette’s potential and has conducted multiple meetings with the Georgia cornerback, including the Senior Bowl, NFL Combine, Team Pro Day, and a Top 30 Visit. Daylen is raw, but his athleticism and potential are off the charts, and as a long-time defensive backs coach, Daronte Jones banks on his ability to unlock to provide his secondary with a top cornerback. Everette is only 21 years old, and along with Downs and Amos, Washington’s future in the secondary is bright. With Daylen in the fold, Adam Peters’ offseason overhaul of the defense is complete.

Others Considered: Ted Hurst, Logan Jones

Round 4

With the defense squared away, the Commanders start Day 3 with several needs on the offensive side of the ball, most notably adding support for Jayden Daniels, which Adam Peters has called a priority. Peters convenes a meeting with the front office staff, coaches, and scouts to discuss the available prospects on the board. They note that despite passing on the wide receiver position the day before, several of their top-ranked prospects are still on the board, and as one in particular continues to slide, the Commanders GM makes an aggressive move to trade UP in the 2026 NFL draft to move ahead of the New England Patriots:

San Francisco Forty-Niners receive: 2026 Fifth-Round Pick (No. 147), 2026 Sixth-Round Pick (No. 187)

Washington Commanders receive: 2026 Fourth-Round Pick (No. 133)

No. 133 Overall-Skyler Bell, Wide Receiver, Connecticut

Projected by many draft analysts to be selected in the first 100 picks of the draft, Bell falls to No. 133 for a number of reasons. In a draft full of big, fast wide receivers, and Skyler’s lack of prototypical size and physicality stand out more than normal. Despite cleaning up his drop issues in 2025, teams still have concerns, and Bell’s inability to separate against press-man coverage, along with his relatively older age (24 in July), causes him to slide further. However, Skyler’s ability to create separation with his route running and speed makes him a fit for David Blough’s proposed West Coast-style offense, and he checks Adam Peters’ other boxes. While some prospects in the fifth round offer more size and speed, Bell has the skill set and polish to win the WR2 role by the season opener.

Others considered: Harold Perkins

Round 6

Adam Peters watches talented players come off the board in the middle of Day 3 but is satisfied by the value they received from their trade. The feeling fades slightly as players like Parker Brailsford, Adam Randall, and Jager Burton are selected, but the Commanders remain true to their board and are rewarded with a value addition to the defensive line at the bottom of Round 6.

No. 209 Overall- Tyreak Sapp, Edge, Florida

Sapp is a bit of “tweener” that lacks a clear positional fit. He has limited bend and explosiveness that hinder his ability to get to the quarterback, but at 6’2” and 273lbs his upper body strength and power allow him to anchor and set the edge. Tyreak has the ability to move inside to move inside as a 3-4 technique where he has more ability to generate a pass rush, which should increase his value in Daronte Jones’ positionless scheme. Sapp profiles as a Charles Omenihu replacement available in the sixth round.