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The Washington Commanders may need to make a trade before the season starts. And Jayden Daniels is helping the team tweak its offensive approach. But looking ahead, here are two way-too-early 2026 NFL Draft prospects the Commanders must monitor.
There’s no question what the Commanders’ weakness will be entering this season. They likely won’t be strong rushing the quarterback. And their defensive line ranks No. 31 in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus.
So when draft day arrives in 2026, the Commanders will liekly have one position group in mind. And two of the players are from the same school.
It will likely take a high draft pick for the Commanders to land Parker. But they should keep him on the radar in case he slips down the board. Parker brings the size and numbers that NFL teams like, according to espn.com.
“Not only did the 6-foot-3, 265-pound junior have 11 sacks last season, but he also forced six fumbles,” Matt Miller wrote. “His quickness off the corner is the best in the class when watching last season’s tape.”
Parker gets high marks across the board, according to nfldraftdiamonds.com.
“(Parker) has a lot of raw athleticism and, very productive sophomore season,” the website published. “Good pass rusher and a good run defender. As a pass rusher, he is good. Can bull back opposing OTs, displays good use-of-hands, and takes good angles to the backfield.
“Stays in the hunt even when chipped. Can lay some heavy hits on the QB if he gets free. Knock on him is a (lack of) explosive speed; does not display a quick first step or come off the ball with any twitch. Against the run, he is good. Can lock out and use his length well to set an edge. Solid open-field tackler, good pursuit to the flat. The motor tends to be up and down; let’s off the gas in pursuit if the RB finds daylight.”
Parker said he wanted to gain more football knowledge last season, and it came through the help of coaches. The Commanders should like that.
“I wanted to understand the game a lot more,” Parker said. “So whether that’s sitting down in a classroom, going over certain formations to see little key details that you can pick up in the film room. To help me play faster and things like that. Super blessed to have (assistant Chris Rumph) as my coach. And I’ve got more to learn.”
NFL Draft Buzz lauded him as a day-one difference-maker. That’s certainly something that would catch the Commanders’ eyes.
“The tape doesn’t lie: this kid’s hand-fighting skills and technical polish will translate immediately against professional tackles,” NFL Draft Buzz wrote. “He’s built to excel in multiple fronts, but watch him feast in an aggressive 4-3 where he can pin his ears back and hunt QBs without overthinking. His natural leverage and savvy approach to setting the edge...
