NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said he “would not be surprised” if the Commanders draft the best defender available with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

17 April 2026

Rapoport cautioned viewers, saying he is not making any predictions, before listing Ohio State S Caleb Downs, Ohio State LB Sonny Styles and Miami EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. as potential options. An ESPN report from earlier this month indicated the Commanders are focused on improving the pass defense this year. Adding any of the three players listed above would go a long way toward that end.