Commanders Could Land Star Linebacker at No. 7 in NFL Draft

NFL.com mock draft projects Ohio State's Arvell Reese to Washington, despite ESPN having him as a top-2 pick

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Washington Commanders hold the 7th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and according to a recent NFL.com mock draft, they could land a star linebacker prospect in Ohio State's Arvell Reese. Reese is projected by ESPN to be a top-2 pick, but the NFL.com mock has him falling to the Commanders at 7, providing them with an explosive and versatile defensive playmaker.

Why it matters

The Commanders are looking to bolster their defense in the draft, and landing a talent like Reese at 7th overall would be a major coup. Reese is described as having elite potential, with the ability to play both off-ball linebacker and stand-up edge rusher. If he falls to Washington, it could be a franchise-altering pick that helps transform their defense for years to come.

The details

NFL.com draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah projects the Commanders to select Reese with the 7th overall pick, noting that he "provides Washington some explosiveness and versatility." Reese split time between edge rusher and off-ball linebacker at Ohio State, and while he may be a "tougher projection" than some other pass rushers, Jeremiah believes he has the "highest upside of the group." Fellow NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein gave Reese a prospect grade of 7.04, describing him as a potential Pro Bowl talent who is still growing into his game. Zierlein highlighted Reese's third-down versatility, assertive hand usage, and kinetic rush ability as strengths, while noting that his upper body strength, route awareness, and consistency will need refinement at the next level.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April.

The players

Arvell Reese

A 20-year-old linebacker prospect from Ohio State University, who is projected by ESPN to be a top-2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Washington Commanders

The NFL franchise based in Washington, D.C. that holds the 7th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Reese provides Washington some explosiveness and versatility. He might be a tougher projection than some of the other pass rushers in this year's draft, given that he split time between edge rusher and off-ball linebacker for the Buckeyes. Reese has the highest upside of the group, though.”

— Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com Draft Analyst (NFL.com)

“At 20 years old, Reese is still growing into his frame and his game, but learning from James Laurinaitis (linebackers coach) and Matt Patricia (defensive coordinator) should give him a head start in acclimating to the pro game. He plays off-ball linebacker and stand-up edge with the talent to post impact production from either spot. His third-down versatility adds alignment variety and helps camouflage defensive intent.”

— Lance Zierlein, NFL.com Draft Analyst (NFL.com)

What’s next

The Commanders will have to wait until the 2026 NFL Draft in April to see if Arvell Reese falls to them at the 7th overall pick.

The takeaway

If the Commanders are able to land Arvell Reese with the 7th overall pick, it could be a franchise-altering selection. Reese is viewed as a potential Pro Bowl talent with elite versatility, able to play both off-ball linebacker and stand-up edge rusher. Adding a player of his caliber would be a major boost to Washington's defense and could help transform the unit for years to come.