Commanders Are Pulling Big Move For Ohio State's Pro Day

The Washington Commanders have their eyes on the Ohio State Buckeyes, who are sending some marquee prospects to the 2026 NFL Draft.

by Andrew Gould

Mar 24, 2026

Adam Peters of the San Francisco 49ers

Michael Zagaris/Getty Images

As a team with a top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Washington Commanders are naturally paying close attention to the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Ohio State could dominate the start of next month's draft in Pittsburgh. Edge rusher Arvell Reese, linebacker Sonny Styles, safety Caleb Downs, and wide receiver Carnell Tate are all possible top-10 picks.

The Commanders will scout the Buckeyes closely before picking No. 7 on April 23. According to Ryan Fowler, Washington is sending a full contingent to Ohio State's pro day.

General manager Adam Peters, assistant general manager Lance Newmark, head coach Dan Quinn, offensive coordinator David Blough, and defensive coordinator Daronte Jones will also attend Ohio State's showcase on Wednesday.

Ohio State's potential fits for Commanders

Dec 6, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) looks on in the first half against the Indiana Hoosiers during the 2025 Big Ten championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
© Aaron Doster-Imagn Images&period;

The Commanders aren't necessarily going to watch just one person on Wednesday. Mock drafts have linked the NFC East squad to multiple different Buckeyes.

NFL.com's Chad Reuter has Washington taking Styles at No. 7 to replace free-agent linebacker Bobby Wagner. Styles tallied a combined 182 tackles and seven sacks in his last two seasons.

USA Today's Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz linked the Commanders to Downs, a "highly versatile tone-setter and a final piece of the offseason overhaul." Washington has already signed Odafe Oweh, Amik Robertson, K'Lavon Chaisson, and Leo Chenal to a defense that allowed an NFL-worst 384.0 yards per game last season.

Most mock drafts have Reese going sooner, but Jordan Plocher of Pro Football Focus predicted him to fall to Washington. Miami's Rueben Bain Jr. is another possible target if the Commanders desire a pass rusher.

The Commanders could instead snag another Buckeyes wide receiver to play alongside Terry McLaurin. NFL.com's Eric Edholm has them picking Tate, who tallied 891 yards and nine touchdowns last season.

"The Commanders really need a complement to Terry McLaurin," Edholm wrote. "Tate naturally gains easy separation and generates big pass plays for his size, which is the kind of skill set Jayden Daniels could use."