The 2026 Draft Thread - Day 2

[DWinzit]

Yeah my only pause about this off season is last year they left two huge holes at edge and WR but hoped for the best. Keim said in a podcast they knew they were risking it at those spots. And it blew up in their face.

If you recall, last year we thought after ignoring edge in FA mostly -- they'd go to town in the draft considering it was stacked at that spot. And they didn't.

So this year they have two huge holes at WR and CB. We expect them to address it in the draft. But judging by last year, they may not.

Like I mentioned for me hearing Quinn explain how this WR crew could work with a by committee approach made me cringe. I know some defended those comments and said hey you expect him to trash the crew? Yeah of course not. But Quinn expounded on the point on his own, it wasn't a direct answer to a direct question, so it seemed to be a window into how they are discussing the point in their building.

What's my takeaway from that. They convinced themselves like they did last year to the edge spot that they don't have to take a WR -- if they don't there is an if and buts turn to candy and nuts thought about that spot.

Can you imagine if they do nothing at WR in the draft. SF hangs on to Aiyuk through August. And then Terry gets banged up again? Dyami at X, McCaffrey at Y, and Van Jefferson at Z?

Sadly due to last year, I can imagine them convincing themselves and all you mention occurring.

It is freaking scary and the reason Peters has yet to earn my full trust.

You can also throw in that we will be running new schemes on both sides and that our star QB has not shown he can keep himself fully healthy.

That concern will more than likely linger as long as he is using his feet to make plays which will probably mean always.

 

[KDawg]

If we did a needs draft… and I’m not in support of that…

But if we did.

Wide receiver would be pick 7. No doubt.

Free safety would be 71.

We are a barren wasteland there at the moment.

I’d probably take a left guard with our next pick.

Then a corner.

Then a center.

But it feels like the Commanders think we’re in good shape at center. Why else release Biadasz when they did?

Anyways…I hate the very idea of drafting like this because we are going to leave excellent players on the board by doing it so I hope we never, ever employ this strategy.

 

[DWinzit]

If we did a needs draft… and I’m not in support of that…

But if we did.

Wide receiver would be pick 7. No doubt.

Free safety would be 71.

We are a barren wasteland there at the moment.

I’d probably take a left guard with our next pick.

Then a corner.

Then a center.

But it feels like the Commanders think we’re in good shape at center. Why else release Biadasz when they did?

Anyways…I hate the very idea of drafting like this because we are going to leave excellent players on the board by doing it so I hope we never, ever employ this strategy.

WR, FS, then a C who can play LG would be a great place to start.

But yes, it would be a needs driven selection process which is what I'd hoped we would finally move away from.

A good FS at 71 should negate some of needy feeling at corner.

The talk was slowed recently but we could still use day 3 picks for the front 7. Similar to the IOL, we need to develop a few players for these positions

 

[skinsinparadise]

I think its WR and CB easily the top 2. Will Harris is fine IMO at FS. Quan Martin used to be good, sucked last year so don't know about him, but considering he was one of the few players Daronte Jones called out in his presser including mentioning he was high on him before the draft, am guessing they think they can turn him back around.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to upgrade safety. But with the addition of Cross it doesn't feel code red. But CB, could be a disaster. Amos couldn't stay healthy last year. Sainristil had a bad year. Their big addition is an undersized slot CB who was ranked almost dead last last by PFF, and an older CB who isn't a starter. If just one domino doesn't go their way, its a problem.

O line seems fine with Chris Paul returning, Coleman backing him up or vice versa. They seem content with Allegretti and I got the vibe from Keim's podcasts that they think he's better than Biadaz -- more mobile, better leader, and smarter protection caller. Keim said a personnel guy from another team agrees with the take that there should be no drop off. They might end up wrong about it but I'll give them the benefit of doubt.

 

[KDawg]

Ya, I disagree. I think we are a barren wasteland at free. Cross is more of a STAR/strong safety.

Corner is weak, too, though. Our secondary sucks.

But hopefully a good pass rush can negate some of that.

 

[skinsinparadise]

Sadly due to last year, I can imagine them convincing themselves and all you mention occurring.

It is freaking scary and the reason Peters has yet to earn my full trust.

You can also throw in that we will be running new schemes on both sides and that our star QB has not shown he can keep himself fully healthy.

That concern will more than likely linger as long as he is using his feet to make plays which will probably mean always.

I still think they end up doing something. But it will be cringe worthy to me if we are talking next off season, of heck this past season was derailed again because of WR but lets give Peters a break because yeah who would think Terry would get hurt again or Aiyuk was signed right before the season and got hurt -- so they had to rely on Van Jefferson and Dyami to carry the WR corp.

If this starting lineup ends up Dyami at Z, McCaffrey at Y, Van Jefferson at Z, it would probably be the worst WR corp this team had in my lifetime. That is if, 31 year old Terry got hurt. That's the danger when you don't have a legit #3 WR on the roster let alone a #2.

 

[skinsinparadise]

Ya, I disagree. I think we are a barren wasteland at free. Cross is more of a STAR/strong safety.

Corner is weak, too, though. Our secondary sucks.

But hopefully a good pass rush can negate some of that.

I think Will Harris is fine worst case scenario. Plus in that Flores defense they play split safety so much, rarely single high-post, etc.

A big part of my interest in Caleb is I do know that defense relies on a lot of subterfuge from their safeties. Will Harris is just an OK safety IMO but the coaching staff raves about his smarts.

So worse case, he's OK. I don't love it. And I suspect I don't think this team sees FS as a code red spot, judging by their draft player meetings and just general scuttlebutt. But who knows they might surprise me.

I can definitely see them go for Downs though because he's a master of helping execute the presnap-postsnap movement while being a QB on the field.

But yeah will see, a lot of meetings with CBs right now. So it makes me think it could be Delane-McCoy or more likely a CB in the third. No matter what I think its doubtful that they fix CB and WR in this draft. Maybe one of those spots. Wouldn't shock me if its a FS in the third, deep draft for that spot. But If I were a betting man I think they go CB or WR in the third assuming they don't take either spot in the first.

 

[Anselmheifer]

I still think they end up doing something. But it will be cringe worthy to me if we are talking next off season, of heck this past season was derailed again because of WR but lets give Peters a break because yeah who would think Terry woulld get hurt again or Aiyuk was signed right before the season and got hurt -- so they had to rely on Van Jefferson and Dyami to carry the WR corp.

If this starting lineup ends up Dyami at Z, McCaffrey at Y, Van Jefferson at Z, it would probably be the worst WR corp this team had in my lifetime. That is if, 31 year old Terry got hurt. That's the danger when you don't have a legit #3 WR on the roster let alone a #2.

They swung big at WR early in FA and struck out. I don’t think they are satisfied with the position. I would expect that if we don’t grab a recover high, that we will probably circle back and look at Jennings. Likewise, I suspect they aren’t done at center.

I’m totally on board with CB being a code red.

I’d really like Love in the 1st and Hurst or Sarrat, etc in the 3rd. Jayden, Love, White, Bill, Okonkwo, Terry, Aiyuk, Hurst, would look like a pretty massively upgraded offensive skill position group to me.

 

[skinsinparadise]

They swung big at WR early in FA and struck out. I don’t think they are satisfied with the position. I would expect that if we don’t grab a recover high, that we will probably circle back and look at Jennings. Likewise, I suspect they aren’t done at center.

I’m totally on board with CB being a code red.

I’d really like Love in the 1st and Hurst or Sarrat, etc in the 3rd. Jayden, Love, White, Bill, Okonkwo, Terry, Aiyuk, Hurst, would look like a pretty massively upgraded offensive skill position group to me.

No doubt they realized its a problem. And I am betting on that they still do and address it.

But its classic cognitive dissonance when things don't quite go the way you planned that you try to convince yourself, yet this isn't so bad. And those comments from Quinn to me had that vibe of heck if we don't pull it off -- we got some WRs with different skill sets, like a baseball team without a true closer, we will rotate different players to tailor to the weakness of the opponent.

 

[method man]

I think Will Harris is fine worst case scenario. Plus in that Flores defense they play split safety so much, rarely single high-post, etc.

A big part of my interest in Caleb is I do know that defense relies on a lot of subterfuge from their safeties. Will Harris is just an OK safety IMO but the coaching staff raves about his smarts.

So worse case, he's OK. I don't love it. And I suspect I don't think this team sees FS as a code red spot, judging by their draft player meetings and just general scuttlebutt. But who knows they might surprise me.

I can definitely see them go for Downs though because he's a master of helping execute the presnap-postsnap movement while being a QB on the field.

But yeah will see, a lot of meetings with CBs right now. So it makes me think it could be Delane-McCoy or more likely a CB in the third. No matter what I think its doubtful that they fix CB and WR in this draft. Maybe one of those spots. Wouldn't shock me if its a FS in the third, deep draft for that spot. But If I were a betting man I think they go CB or WR in the third assuming they don't take either spot in the first.

Similar to EDGE, Cross is the only starter they have under contract at safety. Harris is old, a JAG and in the last year of his deal. Quan is a major question mark who might not make the team out of camp next year. Reaves is decent depth as a box focused safety and Butler/Owens are really pure ST guys.

While it is not a code red, safety, to me, is code orange where it is on the code yellow/code red border and they must know they lack an impact guy there.

This draft is chock full of potential impact guys at nickel/safety and some of these guys will for sure be available at 71. Guys like Stukes would not be getting talked about as 3rd round picks in drafts with normal safety depth

The good news too is that the hit rate in the 3rd on safeties in terms of getting a starter has been excellent. I think the only bust I counted from the last few drafts was Sydney Brown

 

[RWJ]

I think its WR and CB easily the top 2. Will Harris is fine IMO at FS. Quan Martin used to be good, sucked last year so don't know about him, but considering he was one of the few players Daronte Jones called out in his presser including mentioning he was high on him before the draft, am guessing they think they can turn him back around.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to upgrade safety. But with the addition of Cross it doesn't feel code red. But CB, could be a disaster. Amos couldn't stay healthy last year. Sainristil had a bad year. Their big addition is an undersized slot CB who was ranked almost dead last last by PFF, and an older CB who isn't a starter. If just one domino doesn't go their way, its a problem.

O line seems fine with Chris Paul returning, Coleman backing him up or vice versa. They seem content with Allegretti and I got the vibe from Keim's podcasts that they think he's better than Biadaz -- more mobile, better leader, and smarter protection caller. Keim said a personnel guy from another team agrees with the take that there should be no drop off. They might end up wrong about it but I'll give them the benefit of doubt.

I still think we need to address Center big time. A trade down in the 3rd round likely allows us to pick up a 4th which would allow us to draft one of the better Center prospects in the draft.

 

[skinsinparadise]

Similar to EDGE, Cross is the only starter they have under contract at safety. Harris is old, a JAG and in the last year of his deal. Quan is a major question mark who might not make the team out of camp next year. Reaves is decent depth as a box focused safety and Butler/Owens are really pure ST guys.

While it is not a code red, safety, to me, is code orange where it is on the code yellow/code red border and they must know they lack an impact guy there.

This draft is chock full of potential impact guys at nickel/safety and some of these guys will for sure be available at 71. Guys like Stukes would not be getting talked about as 3rd round picks in drafts with normal safety depth

The good news too is that the hit rate in the 3rd on safeties in terms of getting a starter has been excellent. I think the only bust I counted from the last few drafts was Sydney Brown

Code orange is fine. I suspect the team doesn't see it that way, though. I'd guess with them its code yellow.

There is a difference of course between what we think and what they think. I recall you were down on the Harris signing last year. Obviousy they aren't down on it, since they signed him -- I've joked about it on other posts which is if you listen to the team you'd think Harris is Ed Reed. The way they talk about how that secondary suffered mightly when he went down. Logan Paulsen gushing and gushing about him in camp and how central he is to the team.

Frankly, I do believe they feel that way to some extent. And I do think there is something to that point in spite of the hyperbole on their end and it feels to be they see Harris as a student of the game. Reaves apparently is, too. Neither one anything special. But they seem to value that.

My version of your version of Will Harris is D. Wise. All the talk about how he's this monster run stopper -- felt like BS hyperbole to me. But they are sold on the player so lol its not about what I think. And ironically reporters say talking to the coaching staff they blame a lot of the defenses decline oddly on losing Wise, Harris and then Armstrong.

The idea that Quan might be cut this summer adds drama to the point, so I like it from a persuasive argument standpoint on your end. But it feels like hyperbole to me. Just like those who said McCaffrey might be cut last summer and now one year later he's slated to be the starting slot. Quan has played mostly well until this season, he's young and he's arguably at his best at least he was in college playing slot. Daronte Jones didn't point out too many players in his presser, Quan was one of those he praised. Doesn't feel like a player on the brink of being released. But will see.

In short, this team could use help everywhere, its a deep draft at safety so its possible they dive into it. I am more than cool with taking a safety. But I don't see that spot as a disaster waiting to happen, it could be weak, but I doubt a disaster -- WR-CB they are flirting with outright disaster IMO.

 

[skinsinparadise]

I still think we need to address Center big time. A trade down in the 3rd round likely allows us to pick up a 4th which would allow us to draft one of the better Center prospects in the draft.

It feels like the center code red drill is a fan reaction -- at least judging by Keim's comments on what he finds the team thinks, they don't see it as code red.

I am sure they are open to drafting a center and I bet they do. I'd hate it myself if they did it in the third, that would be nauseating to me. But if they do it later in the draft, cool.

 

[method man]

Code orange is fine. I suspect the team doesn't see it that way, though. I'd guess with them its code yellow.

There is a difference of course between what we think and what they think. I recall you were down on the Harris signing last year. Obviousy they aren't down on it, since they signed him -- I've joked about it on other posts which is if you listen to the team you'd think Harris is Ed Reed. The way they talk about how that secondary suffered mightly when he went down. Logan Paulsen gushing and gushing about him in camp and how central he is to the team.

Frankly, I do believe they feel that way to some extent. And I do think there is something to that point in spite of the hyperbole on their end and it feels to be they see Harris as a student of the game. Reaves apparently is, too. Neither one anything special. But they seem to value that.

My version of your version of Will Harris is D. Wise. All the talk about how he's this monster run stopper -- felt like BS hyperbole to me. But they are sold on the player so lol its not about what I think. And ironically reporters say talking to the coaching staff they blame a lot of the defenses decline oddly on losing Wise, Harris and then Armstrong.

The idea that Quan might be cut this summer adds drama to the point, so I like it from a persuasive argument standpoint on your end. But it feels like hyperbole to me. Just like those who said McCaffrey might be cut last summer and now one year later he's slated to be the starting slot. Quan has played mostly well until this season, he's young and he's arguably at his best at least he was in college playing slot. Daronte Jones didn't point out too many players in his presser, Quan was one of those he praised. Doesn't feel like a player on the brink of being released. But will see.

In short, this team could use help everywhere, its a deep draft at safety so its possible they dive into it. I am more than cool with taking a safety. But I don't see that spot as a disaster waiting to happen, it could be weak, but I doubt a disaster -- WR-CB they are flirting with outright disaster IMO.

Haha you got it. Harris to me was totally Wise to you. It does annoy me that they continue to see Harris as some major solution next year and that they are using his leg as an excuse for why he will be better when he was up and down prior to his injury (I remember him really sucking in the Packers game). Add that to this being his age 31 season and I'm still not a believer.

On Quan, it comes down to a few things. 1) They didn't draft him, 2) there is a numbers game depending on how many of these special teams ace types they watn to keep, 3) he has only a year left on his rookie deal and 4) he obviously sucked last year.

As of now, your starting safeties are Cross, Harris and Quan with Reavo as decent depth. I would be absolutely shocked if they don't take a safety or nickel in this class. It may just happen Day 3 if they want to sit and wait on the depth there. I do think there will be some solid guys available rounds 5 and 6. I just would not count on someone who majors in the post. There aren't very many of these guys in the first place and they get snatched up in the first few rounds typically

 

[method man]

It feels like the center code red drill is a fan reaction -- at least judging by Keim's comments on what he finds the team thinks, they don't see it as code red.

I am sure they are open to drafting a center and I bet they do. I'd hate it myself if they did it in the third, that would be nauseating to me. But if they do it later in the draft, cool.

Agreed. I do think they will take someone but it could end up being round 5 or 6. I also would be shocked if they took someone round 3 just because it seems like they philosophically do not believe in a rookie starter at center. If they take someone, it is a faux competition with Allegretti with the idea the rookie sits for a year

 

[skinsinparadise]

I still think we need to address Center big time. A trade down in the 3rd round likely allows us to pick up a 4th which would allow us to draft one of the better Center prospects in the draft.

If they think Allegretti is as good or even better than Biadaz -- you got me if they are right or wrong -- but apparently that's how they feel so I am guessing they aren't in code red mode at center.

I am personally not code red at it, if that's how they feel about the spot. I don't know if how they feel is right or wrong but if that's how they are feeling I am just not reacting to fans feelings about it.

There is some evidence that they feel as urgent about CB as WR as fans feel. I don't know about center. I guess we will find out.

You can hide a center as a blocker on a team, Logan talks about this all the time, because you are rarely blocking a defender on your own at center. A big part of that spot is your brain -- making protection calls, and being a leader which supposedly Allegretti is better at than Biadaz.

But you can't hide a bad corner. They will get exposed. If your Z WR is a jag it has a ripple effect on the whole offense. So for me I'd much rather see them address more premium positions and arguably needs.

If they go for a center, I wouldn't want it before the 5th round.

 

[skinsinparadise]

Haha you got it. Harris to me was totally Wise to you. It does annoy me that they continue to see Harris as some major solution next year and that they are using his leg as an excuse for why he will be better when he was up and down prior to his injury (I remember him really sucking in the Packers game). Add that to this being his age 31 season and I'm still not a believer.

On Quan, it comes down to a few things. 1) They didn't draft him, 2) there is a numbers game depending on how many of these special teams ace types they watn to keep, 3) he has only a year left on his rookie deal and 4) he obviously sucked last year.

As of now, your starting safeties are Cross, Harris and Quan with Reavo as decent depth. I would be absolutely shocked if they don't take a safety or nickel in this class. It may just happen Day 3 if they want to sit and wait on the depth there. I do think there will be some solid guys available rounds 5 and 6. I just would not count on someone who majors in the post. There aren't very many of these guys in the first place and they get snatched up in the first few rounds typically

They are certainly poking around some of the CB-S nickel types -- K. Scott, Kilgore. I can see that. Stukes, Logan's guy fits this profile but I don't think they met with him.

I'd be surprised if they took a safety at 71. But if they did, I'd be cool with it, someone like Bud Clark, Haulcy.

From what I've gathered about that defense because it so split safety driven, and rare as for usage of single high, that they might not be so dependant on the idea of a post safety.

At 71 I am guessing its a Wr or CB, based on the general vibe I get from listening to podcasts and the meetings they've had so far. If its a safety to me its likely a hybrid corner-safety one like Keionte Scott.

Every day it seems I read about another CB zoom mention or a player mentioning they've talked to Washington. But definitely some nickle CB types who can play safety, too.

 

[Conn]

No doubt they realized its a problem. And I am betting on that they still do and address it.

But its classic cognitive dissonance when things don't quite go the way you planned that you try to convince yourself, yet this isn't so bad. And those comments from Quinn to me had that vibe of heck if we don't pull it off -- we got some WRs with different skill sets, like a baseball team without a true closer, we will rotate different players to tailor to the weakness of the opponent.

Agree entirely that this is what’s going on. Because now that they had their first and second tier (and third tier?) WR targets in FA spurn them, they aren’t guaranteed to find a solution. It’s a little out of their hands now. They could be shut out of having a chance at Tate, even Tyson (if they even like him). They could not be in a place to draft the other late 1st/early-to-mid 2nd types. They might miss out on top of 3rd level talents just due to bad luck or inability to trade around where they desire.

Quinn’s talking himself into alternative silver linings bc they aren’t in control at this point.

I think if we’re being honest, looking back they maybe would choose to go harder at a Nailor type and skip wasting time on the bigger names with other preferred destinations. They can’t make that choice now, but it’s clear they need to scramble a bit and even then it’s not guaranteed they can fix this.

Not ideal, especially after last offseason’s lack of WR work. They certainly tried really hard this FA period, and I’m sure they’ll do so again in the draft. But trying hard and failing isn’t going to save their jobs if they don’t find a way to support their QB more this season.

 

[skinsinparadise]

Watched a little Mike Washington --because of Logan raving about him. Now Logan loves athletes so of course he'd dig this dude -- size-athletic freak.

To me, he's Brian Robinson, with slightly more physicality, if Brian ran 4.33. So while I wasn't a Robinson guy over time when he played here, but if you give me a 4.3 version of Robinson I am in.

But don't love him. He runs upright, not a lot of east-west wiggle to him, not a ton of creativity as a runner.

But like Robinson who IMO was just a guy, he'd use his physicality to grind some yards. Washington to me doesn't bring a lot in his arsenal but you can see that 4.33 speed on display at times when he turns the corner and he's more willing to use his size-physicality IMO than Robinson would. Good hands, too.

A very linear runner. To use a baseball analogy his fastball is very straight but he throws it 100 miles an hour so its hard to stop at times, regardless.

 

[DWinzit]

Haha you got it. Harris to me was totally Wise to you. It does annoy me that they continue to see Harris as some major solution next year and that they are using his leg as an excuse for why he will be better when he was up and down prior to his injury (I remember him really sucking in the Packers game). Add that to this being his age 31 season and I'm still not a believer.

On Quan, it comes down to a few things. 1) They didn't draft him, 2) there is a numbers game depending on how many of these special teams ace types they watn to keep, 3) he has only a year left on his rookie deal and 4) he obviously sucked last year.

As of now, your starting safeties are Cross, Harris and Quan with Reavo as decent depth. I would be absolutely shocked if they don't take a safety or nickel in this class. It may just happen Day 3 if they want to sit and wait on the depth there. I do think there will be some solid guys available rounds 5 and 6. I just would not count on someone who majors in the post. There aren't very many of these guys in the first place and they get snatched up in the first few rounds typically

The other Quan item is that DQ and company appeared totally tired of him and his play. They had no issue sitting him for the better part of a lot the final games. That's some serious dislike to get over, winning back their trust.

My fingers are crossed he has a strong year with a competent DC that believes in him and puts him in better situations.