Commanders Trade Down as Jeremiyah Love Shines in 2026 NFL Mock Draft

Commanders Trade Down as Jeremiyah Love Shines in 2026 NFL Mock Draft

In the latest 2026 NFL mock draft, a significant shakeup occurs as Jeremiyah Love gets selected early, prompting the Washington Commanders to trade down. Here’s a detailed look at the first round's highlights: Round 1 Picks: 1st Pick: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana, heads to Las Vegas. The Raiders opt for a seasoned Kirk Cousins as a mentor, allowing Mendoza to develop before taking the reins. 2nd Pick: The N.Y. Jets select Arvell Reese, EDGE from Ohio State. His hybrid skills offer tremendous potential for their defense. 3rd Pick: Francis Mauigoa, OT from Miami (Fla.), joins the Arizona Cardinals to bolster their offensive line ahead of future quarterback decisions. 4th Pick: Jeremiyah Love, RB from Notre Dame, becomes a key asset for the Tennessee Titans, bringing explosive playmaking to their offense. 7th Pick (Trade): After missing out on Love, the Commanders trade down with the Dallas Cowboys, who grab David Bailey, EDGE from Texas Tech. 8th Pick: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE from Miami (Fla.), heads to the New Orleans Saints in a move to revamp their defensive front. 20th Pick (Commanders): After trading down, the Commanders select Jermod McCoy, CB from Tennessee, aiming to strengthen their secondary. This mock draft showcases the strategic decisions teams are making as they prepare for the upcoming season, with key trades and selections shaping the future of franchises.

Source: CBS Sports - 2026-04-18