Commanders get defensive help in ESPN's 2026 NFL mock draft
Miller has the Washington Commanders picking 26th in his mock draft, using ESPN's Football Power Index, which projects thousands of games using simulations for the 2025 season. FPI has the Cleveland Browns picking No. 1 overall.
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Miller has Washington selecting Penn State cornerback A.J. Harris at No. 26.
The Commanders traded for Marshon Lattimore last season and picked Trey Amos in Round 2 of the 2025 draft but still have a need at corner, especially when considering Lattimore's age and injury history. At 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, Harris has the length Dan Quinn loves in his corners. Harris has shown ball-hawking skills and loves to press and jam receivers. He's still a bit green, having started only one season, but last season's tape -- along with Penn State's track record in developing defenders -- makes Harris one of the most promising corners in the country.
It's way too early to project the Commanders selecting a first-round cornerback. Currently, edge rusher remains Washington's most significant need. At cornerback, the Commanders have Lattimore under contract for two more seasons and just drafted Trey Amos with a 2025 second-round pick. Mike Sainristil, Washington's 2024 second-round pick, has one starting spot locked down.
Much of this depends on Lattimore. If Lattimore remains healthy and resembles his former Pro Bowl self, Washington is set at cornerback. Sure, the Commanders will continue adding depth, whether in later rounds of the draft or free agency, but they'd likely use their first-round pick on another position. However, general manager Adam Peters is a BPA (best player available) guy. If a cornerback is the top-rated player on Washington's board, he'd be the pick, barring a trade down.
Harris began his career at Georgia, appearing in seven games during the 2023 season before transferring to Penn State last year. Harris quickly became a starter for the Nittany Lions and earned third-team All-Big Ten honors. At 6-foot-1, 193 pounds, Harris has good size and length. He was the No. 1 cornerback recruit in the country in the 2023 recruiting class.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders select Penn State cornerback in 2026 NFL mock draft
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