We’re now in April, so the 2026 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching. The Washington Commanders currently own the No. 7 pick in the first round, and there are several directions the team could go.
Most mock drafts have the Commanders adding a defensive player with their top pick. The team spent a ton of money in free agency on defense, but that doesn’t mean they won’t still go defense in round one. This unit definitely needs more help for the pass rush and in the secondary, for example.
However, another huge area of need is the pass-catcher group. Old friend Dyami Brown was brought back this offseason, and journeyman Van Jefferson was added as well. Neither of those guys inspires much confidence, though, and the team needs to find a competent complement to Terry McLaurin.
Of course, the team could take a receiver at No. 7. However, one analyst thinks the team could make an even bolder move and trade that pick for an already established pass-catcher. Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport identified logical landing spots for Brian Thomas Jr., and Davenport thinks the Commanders make some sense.
In Davenport’s proposal, the Commanders would send the No. 7 pick to the Jaguars for Thomas. Regarding that possible move, Davenport offered the following:
Now the Commanders are in the midst of a pivotal offseason as Jayden Daniels prepares for Year 3 of his professional career. The team has multiple needs on both sides of the ball—including a wide receiver to pair with Terry McLaurin (Lotta lonely Ohio State wideouts in the NFL this year).
If the Jaguars are serious about trading Thomas, Pick No. 7 is about as good as it’s going to get.
If the Commanders believe that the 2024 version of Thomas is the “real” one, it can be argued he’s worth it.
It may seem like an overpay to give up a first-round pick for Thomas based on his 2025 production. Last season, Thomas caught 48 passes for 707 yards and two touchdowns, which probably isn’t worth a first-round pick.
However, Thomas is only 23, and he made the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2024. During that season, Thomas caught 87 passes for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns. The LSU product seemed like the next great receiver, but Thomas seemingly fell out of favor in 2025 and has been featured in trade rumors since.
Additionally, this potential trade would reunite Thomas with Jayden Daniels, his quarterback for his final two seasons at LSU.
The Commanders could easily feel more comfortable about Thomas than any of the 2026 rookies, so this deal could make sense. An offense featuring Jayden Daniels, Thomas, McLaurin, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White, and Chig Okonkwo would definitely be exciting to watch.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders named top candidate to trade for Pro Bowl WR
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