Daniel Jeremiah's 'hunch' on Giants could impact Commanders

There are a few players in the first round of next week's 2026 NFL Draft that would make perfect sense for the Washington Commanders. The Commanders, who own the No. 7 overall pick, are a bit of a wild card heading into the first round. Washington has multiple needs, but plugged several holes in free agency, allowing them to focus on the best player available in the draft.

While the Commanders do not control their own destiny in the first round, their needs match up well with what could go down in the first six picks. Washington could still use help at edge rusher, wide receiver, cornerback, middle linebacker, running back, or safety. The running back and safety positions are lesser needs but feature elite prospects: running back Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame) and safety Caleb Downs (Ohio State).

Washington reportedly "loves" Love. However, he could go as high as No. 3. Styles is another player often linked to the Commanders, but he could go as high as No. 4 to the Tennessee Titans or No. 5 to the New York Giants. In fact, the highest percentage of mock drafts over the last two months have Styles going to New York with the fifth overall pick.

Not so fast, says top NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah.

"Sonny Styles should be a highly drafted player, but you don't think this pick is going to happen," Matt Harmon of Yahoo Sports asked Jeremiah this week on the "Yahoo Fantasy Forecast" podcast.

"I don't," Jeremiah responded. "A couple of names that popped up were, ok, Jeremiyah Love was still alive there, which would be so interesting because you have the whole Saquon Barkley saga.......that's one, and I've heard (Arizona State WR) Jordyn Tyson's name connected with them a lot as a receiver that they really like."

Jeremiah then mentioned he isn't sure the Giants would consider Tyson at No. 5, or try to trade down a few spots and land him. Of course, Tyson's workout on Friday could mean New York would have to pick him at No. 5, or risk not landing him at all.

We have @MoveTheSticks on next week's episode of Mock Draft Monday but wanted to give you a little teaser: We broke down Jordyn Tyson and how he's in play for the Giants, who currently have the 5th overall pick. pic.twitter.com/rZXvAN9D01

— Matt Harmon (@MattHarmon_BYB) April 17, 2026

So, what does this mean for the Commanders? Washington has yet to add a replacement for Bobby Wagner. Yes, Leo Chenal was signed, but he's not considered a mike linebacker. Styles would be a perfect replacement. He'd give the Commanders the speed they've sorely lacked at the position over the years, and he can do everything. A trio of Styles, Chenal, and Frankie Luvu would give Washington the best trio of linebackers it has had in a long, long time.

Why do Jeremiah's thoughts matter here? As a former NFL scout with relationships across the league, there is no draft analyst more plugged in. In his March 17 mock draft, he had Styles going to the Giants. He's clearly heard conflicting information over the last month. It should be interesting to see which way he goes in his final mock draft.

Of course, if Styles slips past the Giants at No. 5, several recent mock drafts have the Dallas Cowboys trading with the Cleveland Browns at No. 6 to steal Styles from Washington.

Buckle up. This could be a fun first round, full of unpredictability.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Daniel Jeremiah doesn't think Giants will draft Sonny Styles