Commanders' Draft Mandate: Defense First

0:00On April 22nd, Washington commanders sitting at the 7th overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, and the buzz is, they are locked in on. Defense. Draft expert Todd McShay says it's a straight-up mandate from head coach Dan Quinn to fix that unit first, no debate. Last season, their defense was straight trash, ranking 27th and points allowed 30th against the run, and dead last stopping the pass. They need bodies everywhere from the line to the secondary. Fans might want offense, but don't count on it here. At running back, no clear starter, with unproven guys and backups filling the room. Why receiver needs a solid number two next to Terry McLaren? But top targets like Notre Dame's Jeremiah Love, look gone early. Instead, eyes on defensive playmakers like Corner Backman Sword Delain, Safety Caleb Downs, or Linebacker, Sunny Styles. Delain seems the top bet if they stay put, with downs and styles right behind. This mandate shifts the focus hard on rebuilding that back end, setting the tone for a rebound season ahead.