It’s been a disappointing season for the Washington Commanders, something nobody wouldâve predicted entering the year. Had the Commanders been a bit healthier, things would likely be different, but that isn’t the case, and the front office will have to approach the trade deadline and next year’s draft with that in mind.
If there’s one thing that seems inevitable for the Commanders moving forward, it’s the fact that Jayden Daniels is a franchise quarterback.Â
All the Commanders must do is ensure that they put the right pieces around him, which will be much easier said than done. If the Commanders had done that properly this year, theyâd likely be in a different spot, but that hasn’t been the case. Searching for ways for them to do that, PFN predicted theyâd select a wide receiver next year.Â
With the 12th overall pick, PFF had them take Makai Lemon, a wide receiver from the University of Southern California.Â
âThe Washington Commanders neglected the wide receiver position in the 2025 offseason, and now the cracks are starting to show in their passing game. Terry McLaurin is getting older, and the Commanders need a respectable complement sooner rather than later.
âMakai Lemon goes third off the board in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft, but heâs a definite WR1 candidate, specializing as a 1-on-1 winner and RAC specialist. At 5â11â, 195 pounds, his explosive, agile creation is reminiscent of Golden Tate, and heâs ice-cold at the catch point,â Ian Cummings wrote.
Why Makai Lemon to Commanders Makes Sense
Lemon is viewed as an excellent prospect, which the Washington Commanders must determine throughout the draft process. While selecting a wide receiver typically isn’t a great idea very early in the draft when there are clearly other needs, Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN believes he’s one of the top prospects in this year’s class.Â
âThis kid is a warrior who plays with passion. I’d want Lemon on my roster. He snatches the ball away from his body in an attacking manner then runs with a fierce approach after the catch. He is one of my favorite players in the class, and he currently ranks second in the nation in receiving yards,â he wrote.
Could Commanders Give Up Draft Capital?
When examining what the Washington Commanders might do at the trade deadline, Dean Jones of FanSided had some wise thoughts. He noted that the Commanders only have six draft picks in 2026, which the front office must factor in.Â
Had they been in a better position, it’d make sense for them to go out and make a move.Â
âThis is also why the Commanders are in a tricky spot heading into the trade deadline. Peters is an aggressive roster builder, but sacrificing more capital when they have only six draft picks in 2026 is a gamble,â he wrote.
Regarding what Lemon could bring to the organization, he’s a great past catcher, but he’s a bit undersized at 5-foot-11. This season for USC, he has 758 yards on 48 receptions, averaging 15.8 yards per catch. Lemon also has six touchdowns for the Trojans.
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