Commanders GM Expects to Stay at No. 7 Pick

Adam Peters says it's 'more likely than not' Washington keeps its first-round selection.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:05am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting an NFL Draft scene, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in the Commanders' colors of burgundy and gold, conveying the strategic decision-making around their first-round pick.The Commanders' GM sees value in keeping their top draft pick, rather than trading down to accumulate more selections.Washington Today

Washington Commanders General Manager Adam Peters said he expects the team to stay at the No. 7 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, rather than trading down. Peters noted there are several defensive players available at that spot who could 'help impact us in a real positive way.'

Why it matters

The Commanders are coming off a disappointing season and hold the No. 7 pick, giving them a chance to add a high-impact player to their roster. Keeping the pick could allow them to land a top defensive prospect, while trading down would provide more draft capital but potentially miss out on an elite talent.

The details

During his press conference, Peters said 'I would say more likely than not that would happen,' referring to the Commanders staying at No. 7 rather than trading the pick. He added that the decision will depend on 'who's on the board' when the Commanders are on the clock.

  • The 2023 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 27-29.

The players

Adam Peters

The general manager of the Washington Commanders.

Brett Veach

The general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs, who said he expects a lot of trades in the first round of the upcoming NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“'I would say more likely than not that would happen. You never know. It'll depend on who's on the board.'”

— Adam Peters, Washington Commanders General Manager

What’s next

The Commanders will make their first-round selection at No. 7 overall during the 2023 NFL Draft, which begins on April 27.

The takeaway

The Commanders appear poised to hold onto their first-round pick and add a top defensive prospect to their roster, rather than trading down to accumulate more draft capital. This suggests the team believes there is an elite talent available at No. 7 that can make an immediate impact.