NFL insider thinks Commanders will lean defense with first-round pick

The Washington Commanders made several free agent acquisitions on defense; did they do enough?

Well, seeing the Commanders' defense surrendered more yards than any other team in the 2025 season, how could they not still be looking for key defensive help? Consequently, though the vast majority of the projections have the Commanders taking Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love at No. 7 in the first round, next Thursday night, don't be surprised if they still go defense.

On Friday, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network agreed with this thinking as well, regarding the Commanders going defense. Understandably so, the Commanders were 32nd in surrendering yardage. We know their free agent signings will bring them some improvement. Yet, how much improvement is required to move up from 32nd to, say, 16th? Can anyone at this point even foresee how much better the defense will be?

"So much of the focus in the offseason was doing that (improving/getting younger) on defense," declared Rapoport. "Last year's defense was (pause) not what you were looking for. They ended up making a ton of staff changes. This is now for Dan Quinn and his unit on defense, becomes an unbelievably important situation. I would not be surprised, this is no prediction. I would not be surprised if the Commanders say (at No. 7), 'Who is the best defensive player on our board?' We will just take him."

From The Insiders on @NFLNetwork: A look at where the #Commanders may go at No. 7, with a great spot to pick. pic.twitter.com/ri2iVwwXOf

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 16, 2026

Well, then who is going to be the best defensive player left at No. 7 in the draft? Virtually all mock drafts have David Bailey (Texas Tech), Arvell Reese (Ohio State) gone before the Commanders are on the clock at No. 7.In addition, certainly most then also have Ohio State LB Sonny Styles also gone. So, whom did Rapoport say he envisions being available for the Commanders when they go on the clock?

"A couple of potential options for them at No. 7? Caleb Downs, the really, really good safety from Ohio State. People talk about his makeup like it is just crazy. I would say Sonny Styles, off-ball linebacker, here, another one. People just love their makeup; people love the way they are wired. As they are looking for a new linchpin to their defense, both of these guys would potentially be in the conversation."

Continuing further, Rapoport thinks there will be one other defensive option available for the Commanders that they should consider at this point in the first round. "And then, Rueben Bain, the defensive end from Miami, likely to be on the board at this time. His short arms have gotten a lot of conversation. He is a big, tough, burly, physical football player. Do the Commanders go here after (GM) Adam Peters added so much to the edge in free agency?"

Though six of the best players in this draft will have been selected prior to Washington getting their opportunity, Rapoport believes the Commanders will still have freedom to select a player than can be an impact player for them, on the defensive side of the ball. He summed it up succinctly.

"They are going to have a lot of options in a really good draft spot."

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: NFL insider thinks defense with 1st-round pick