Commanders' Draft Strategy Under Review Amid Player Performance Issues

The Washington Commanders are currently reassessing their draft strategy amid growing concerns over several underperforming draft picks. General manager Adam Peters has had two drafts with mixed results, managing to secure success with first-round selections Jayden Daniels and Josh Conerly Jr., but other picks are now facing scrutiny. According to s Rag, five draft selections appear to be sliding into bust status, with linebacker Kain Medrano highlighted as particularly concerning. Medrano was chosen for his athletic upside despite being raw, but his limited usage thus far raises questions about his development. The Commanders had hoped to mold him into a capable performer, but like other recent draft picks, he is struggling to make an impact on the field.

As the Commanders look to their future, the implications of these draft performances are significant. With only six selections in the upcoming 2026 draft—two of which are in the first four rounds—Peters faces pressure to maximize these picks to rebuild the team effectively. The need for a successful draft is critical, especially after several high-profile picks from the previous regime under Ron Rivera have already departed. According to s Rag, this puts the onus on the remaining drafted players to elevate their performance levels moving forward.

In light of these challenges, legendary quarterback Joe Theismann has urged the Commanders to think outside the box for their first-round selection in 2026. Sitting at the sixth overall pick after a recent overtime loss to the Denver Broncos, Theismann suggested that the team consider Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, who he believes could be a transformative talent. He described Love as a dual-threat force with elite traits and compared him to James Cook from the Buffalo Bills. However, the reality is that the Commanders' pressing needs are likely to prioritize other positions such as edge rusher and cornerback over adding another running back, especially with Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Jeremy McNichols already in the fold.

The Commanders are also making shifts in player utilization under head coach Dan Quinn, who has adopted a more zone-heavy defensive system. However, this has led to some surprising decisions, such as making former first-round pick Darnell Savage Jr. a healthy scratch in favor of other players. Savage's performance had been adequate, but with the return of veteran safety Will Harris, the team's priorities shifted, indicating a potential reevaluation of Savage's role moving forward. As the Commanders navigate these changes, it is evident that their draft strategy and player evaluation processes are under intense scrutiny as they aim to turn their fortunes around in the coming seasons.