Commanders Weigh Positional Value for First-Round Pick

Former coach Jay Gruden discusses the factors the team must consider with a high draft selection.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:04am

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Former Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden recently discussed the factors the Washington Commanders must weigh when evaluating their first-round pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Gruden highlighted the impressive skills of Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, but also cautioned that the Commanders need to carefully consider positional value and how much they want to invest in a running back at the 7th overall selection.

Why it matters

The Commanders' first-round pick is a crucial decision that will impact the team's future. Evaluating positional value is a complex process that involves balancing the talent of individual players with the strategic needs of the team and the financial implications of high draft selections.

The details

Gruden praised Love's speed, explosiveness, and ability as a multi-dimensional back who can be effective as both a runner and a pass catcher. However, Gruden also pointed out that drafting a running back 7th overall would likely make Love one of the highest-paid players at his position, which the Commanders would need to carefully consider in the context of their overall roster and salary cap management.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for next month.

The players

Jay Gruden

Former head coach of the Washington Redskins from 2014 to 2019, and also served as offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Jeremiyah Love

A running back from Notre Dame who impressed at the NFL Combine with his speed and versatility.

Jayden Daniels

The Washington Commanders' starting quarterback.

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What they’re saying

“He's a special guy. There's no doubt about it. His speed, he ran 4.37 and 4.38 at the Combine, so he's got the explosion. You've seen him go out and make the one-handed catch out of the backfield.”

— Jay Gruden, Former Washington Redskins Head Coach

“It's a matter of, where do you want to put a running back? If you take him at No 7, he will probably be the seventh or eighth highest-paid running back in the NFL when he walks into your building. Is that how high you want to put value for a running back for your team?”

— Jay Gruden, Former Washington Redskins Head Coach

What’s next

The Commanders will continue to evaluate their options and make a decision on their first-round pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

The Commanders face a complex decision with their first-round pick, as they must weigh the talent of individual players like Jeremiyah Love against the strategic and financial implications of their selection. Evaluating positional value is a crucial part of the draft process that can significantly impact a team's long-term success.