It is no secret that the Washington Commanders need pass-rush help. If you ask any fan, the idea of adding a difference maker up front would make a huge impact and solve a lot of the problems they are having on defense. The truth is, they just do not get to the quarterback enough, and when you give NFL quarterbacks time, they will pick you apart. The coverage can only hold up for so long before something breaks down. That is why a lot of people look at pick number 7 and think the answer has to be someone who can go hunt the passer.
But when you have an early draft pick like the Commanders do at number 7, the decision to draft a pass rusher may not be that easy. The board does not always fall the way you expect, and a special type of talent may be sitting there. That is when it becomes less about what you need most and more about whether that special talent could be a difference maker for years to come.
Is There Another Option at Number 7?
If Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate is still available at number 7, Washington may have to take their decision down to the wire. Because if he is still sitting there, that is tough to ignore. On draft night, when the clock is ticking, and his name is still on the board, it gets real fast. You start asking yourself if you are about to pass on someone who can help you right away. That is not an easy call.
The Commanders need major pass rush help, but WR is also a pressing need.
Carnell Tate averaged over 17 yards per catch last season, had zero drops, is a nuanced route runner and one of the most pro-ready prospects in the class.
On his fit at pick number 7 overall 👇 pic.twitter.com/5Bv0uyg61k
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) February 13, 2026
Taking The Pressure Off of Terry
Everyone knows Terry McLaurin is the guy. Defenses know it too. That is why he gets doubled all the time, especially when the game is on the line. If Washington lines up another legit receiver across from him, teams cannot just load up on McLaurin anymore. They would actually have to choose who they want to stop.
Why Tate is the Right Fit in Washington
Last season, Tate did not record a single dropped pass and averaged more than 17 yards per catch. He is hands down the best wide receiver option available in this year’s NFL draft, and Washington could certainly use a playmaker like him. Tate is the kind of wideout who can consistently win one-on-one without needing everything schemed perfectly.
Tate just consistently wins. Even when the coverage is tight, and the timing is not perfect. He is not the kind of receiver who panics and fights for the ball. And for a team trying to take pressure off its quarterback and open up the field, that kind of steady presence goes a long way.
Draft or Free Agency?
However, the Commanders ranked near the very bottom of the league in pressure rate last season. The very idea that they may pass on a premier edge rusher at number 7 seems crazy. If they do, in fact, plan on picking up Tate in the first round, expect to see them make a splash in free agency on an edge rusher.
If Commanders GM Adam Peters sees Tate as a true No. 1 caliber receiver down the road, it becomes harder to justify passing on him simply because edge rusher feels like the bigger need.
While it may seem like the more important hole to fill is the edge rusher, passing on a weapon like Carnell Tate might be the kind of decision that lingers a lot longer than one season. Whether people like it or not, Carnell Tate Washington is a real possibility at number 7.