Washington Early Mock Draft and Offseason Targets

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January 2, 2026

by David Earl

Way Too Early Mock

There is no true good rhyme or reason to do a mock draft this early, but this will set a tone for where I believe Washington’s offseason should look like. With how these players’ stock rise and fall during the pre-draft process, players like defensive lineman DeMonte Capehart from Clemson could move up as far as a late first round selection. So, yes, there will certainly be a lot of movement from this column when comparing to later projections I will post but let’s have a little fun.

To revisit my previous position on this defense, especially the front seven, Washington has had to deal with the loss of defensive ends Dorance Armstrong and Deatrich Wise Jr. off the edge early in the season. Wise only played 2 games and had just 4 tackles and no sacks, so his contribution is incomplete this season. Armstrong, on the other hand, was beginning to put together a career year, with 14 tackles and 5.5 sacks in four complete games. He helped Washington achieve the a 9th ranked pass rush with 8.12% sack rate. His presence, along with free agent defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, helped improve one of the league’s worst run defenses in 2024 into a more respectable unit that allowing 4.3 yards per carry. During the time since Armstrong’s injury, Washington’s pass rate fell to 18th ranked in the league with a 6.52% sack rate and one of the leagues worst over the last 3 games with a 3.85% sack rate. As a result of the lack of talent and depth mixed with aging players like LB Bobby Wagner, Washington will need to focus heavy at both levels of the from seven. The core pieces are in place to build on the run defense, but an underperforming secondary did not help this front 7 as a whole unfortunately.

With all that said, in this draft the team needs to be defense centered and they are in position to land a true impact player in round one. Unless there is a trade back scenario that gives Washington a haul in draft stock close to the Herschel Walker deal the Cowboys maid I personally am not trading this pick away. This draft position could get as high as a top 5 pick with a Tennessee Titans, New Orleans Saints, and a Cleveland Browns win coupled with a Washington loss against Philadelphia. Linebacker Arvell Reese could still go ahead of them in this draft, but a player like edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr from the Miami Hurricanes is definitely a top 5 selection and most likely not in play for Washington. Bain would be exactly what Dan Quinn needs off the edge but Dorance Armstrong and Deatrich Wise Jr. showed to be good (not great) off the edge. I truly see either Reese or safety Caleb Downs as the kind of impact players on defense that Dan Quinn absolutely needs and have been missing. Here is what they would get in these players.

Arvell Reese, Ohio State, 6’4″ and 243lbs (LB)
  • Strengths: Elite explosiveness and advanced instincts against the run. Exceptional at the point of attack and his lateral movement sideline to sideline allows him impressive range for a player his size. His hand technique and quick first step makes him a formidable pass rusher. Versatile to play many roles and schemes plus a violent sure tackler.
  • Weaknesses: Can get to aggressive over shooting the gaps which will find him out of position at times on misdirection plays. Lacks consistency in change of direction when in coverage and will be fooled at times during play-action. Will have moments of taking too many blocks squared up making it easier for the offensive lineman to gain leverage.
  • Conclusion: While he will need some refinement in pass coverage, his overall tools plus size, speed and strength creates a complete impact player day one. Fits the mold of today’s middle linebacker with great lateral movement and instincts against the run. He processes real time quickly and rarely makes the same mistake twice. His athleticism, processing ability and quick redirection on the move will lend to an impact player against the pass provided he improves on some of his weaknesses.
Caleb Downs, Ohio State, 6’0″ and 205lbs (Safety)
  • Strengths: Elite level processing and recognition on the field as he is diagnosing the play on the field. This processing is not limited against the passing game as anticipation in the run support is a very rare combination. Rarely takes bad angles and is a very sure tackler. Moves with a cornerback-caliber fluidity in man coverage and is exceptional in locking down athletic tight ends in coverage. Manipulates quarterbacks in zone coverage creating contested ball opportunities. A punishing hitter also and takes the level of command on the field you’d want from a safety.
  • Weaknesses: Can get too overly aggressive leading to running himself out of a play or taking bad angles at times. Will try to overthink a developing pass play on occasion trying to read the quarterback causing him to lose track of the wide receiver with his route. Can get swallowed up quickly by an offensive line against the run as his hand techniques does need improvement.
  • Conclusion: Clearly the best defensive back in this draft as he brings a Derwin James mentality to the defense plus many scouts see signs of a Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed processing speed. Simply put he has a unique football IQ combine with a perfect blend of size, speed, and athleticism that made these two Hall of Famers so special. What Downs brings potentially on defense Washington has not see since the great Sean Taylor.

Why Not RB Jeremiyah Love?

For starters I would not be mad if Adam Peters draft Jeremiyah Love with their top selection of this coming draft. He brings idea size (6’0″ and 214lbs) with a great combination of speed (4.40 seconds forty yard time) and power. His overall athleticism absolutely translates to the next level as he can quickly hit the edge outrunning pursuit angles from defenders plus is very dangerous in space. His ability in the passing game makes for a dangerous weapon who translates from a receiver into a runner effortlessly after the catch. He is surely a great offensive weapon and a true feature running back who can more than fill the void left by a week 1 injury to Austin Ekeler. There will be a potential later round option in running back Nick Singleton from Penn State who could fill the void perfectly and complement Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Nicholas Singleton, PSU, 6’0″ and 224lbs
  • Strengths: Great burst off his first step and has elite top end speed defenses will need to account for him each week. Has excellent lateral movement and a smooth start-stop transition in his footwork. Very good contact balance and drives through tackles very well. Developed into an excellent pass catcher and is very elusive in open space.
  • Weaknesses: Can be an impatient runner at times not allowing his blocks to develop. Does run a bit stiff at times which hinders lateral movement at times. Can be better as a decisive runner and improve in shedding would be tacklers.
  • Conclusion: Singleton is certainly a three down runner with top end game speed and does run with good power. He is more of a one step and go runner who can navigate well in tight running lanes. Singleton is another great fit for what Washington needs in making their offense more dynamic and will compliment Chris Rodriquez Jr. exceptionally well.

At the moment, this draft seems to lack the depth in terms of a true three down workhorse running back beyond the two mentioned. Part of the reason for not even using a draft selection for a running back, aside from the obvious need to address the defense, is what will be available in the free agent market. The two names that stick out the most are Travis Etienne from Jacksonville Jaguars and Breece Hall from the New York Jets. They both average similar 4.5 yards per carry with a bigger edge to Breece Hall in the passing game. In 9 fewer games Hall has amassed more receptions (188 vs 167) and receiving yards (1642 vs 1332) while Hall has played in a far worse situations in New York. At the age of 25 years old, Hall would help solidify a strong running back core combined with Chris Rodriguez. This would allow Jacory Croskey-Merritt to develop into a productive piece over time as this team has got to start grooming these young pieces. This is a quick snapshot of the direction I believe would be best for Washington in this coming offseason.