It's never too early to look ahead, and for Washington Commanders fans, the future is already shaping up to be something special. After a stellar 2026 NFL Draft that saw the team land dynamic Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles with the No. 7 overall pick, the focus is already shifting to what's next. Styles—a former college safety who transitioned to linebacker and became an All-American before an unforgettable combine performance—is exactly the kind of high-motor, versatile defender general manager Adam Peters has been targeting as he remakes this defense to be younger, faster, and more aggressive.
But the Commanders aren't done yet. While the 2026 draft is in the books, ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid has already released his way-too-early 2027 mock draft, and Washington is projected to pick at No. 11 overall. That slot is based on a twist on DraftKings' Super Bowl odds, and Reid's pick for the Burgundy and Gold is a name that should get fans excited: Texas edge rusher Colin Simmons.
Simmons is a 6-foot-3, 240-pound pass-rushing menace who operated primarily from a two-point stance last season and led the SEC with 12 sacks. He's explosive off the line, uses sudden movements to shed blockers, and plays with relentless energy. Think of him as a younger version of Falcons standout Jalon Walker—only with room to grow. At just 20 years old, Simmons was already a first-team All-SEC and second-team All-American selection in 2025, finishing the season with 12 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss. Over two college seasons, he's racked up impressive numbers that suggest he's just scratching the surface of his potential.
Why does this matter for Washington? The Commanders addressed a major need at edge rusher this offseason by signing Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson, and Charles Omenihu in free agency. But with only Oweh under contract beyond 2026, adding a young, explosive talent like Simmons makes perfect sense. He'd pair beautifully with Styles to form a youthful, dynamic defensive core that could terrorize NFC East offenses for years to come.
Of course, the 2027 draft is still a long way off, and plenty will change between now and then. But for Commanders fans dreaming of a defense built for sustained success, the early signs are promising. Whether it's Simmons or another playmaker, Washington is clearly committed to building through the draft—and the future looks bright.