The Washington Commanders hosted their first preseason game of 2026 on Friday, when they defeated the Miami Dolphins 20-7. Jayden Daniels didn’t play, and Marcus Mariota tweaked his knee, but Athan Kaliakmanis and Sam Hartman, combined with the refreshed defense, managed to put the Dolphins away with relative ease. While they rested on Monday, ESPN tasked Louis Riddick, Aaron Schatz, Ben Solak, and Seth Walder with ranking the future of each NFL team, focusing on the 2027-2029 seasons. They evaluated every NFL team's quarterback situation, remaining (non-QB) roster makeup, front office, and coaching staff on a scale. They then compiled and averaged those ratings, weighting them 20% quarterback, 30% roster, 25% front office, and 25% coaching staff. After tallying the totals, the group put together power rankings. They provide a reason for hope, a reason for concern, a nugget to know, and a bold prediction for each team. The Commanders landed at 20 with an overall score of 76.5. Reason for hope Ben Solak writes:
A healthy Jayden Daniels season would go a long way to elevating the Commanders' standing here -- doubly so if it comes with a strong showing from first-time playcaller David Blough. Perhaps more than any other team in the bottom half, the Commanders have a chance to vault into the top five with a reminder of Daniels' near-MVP-level ability from 2024. Tons of new defensive infusions -- via free agency and in the coaching ranks -- should give that unit a shot in the arm, too.
Jayden Daniels remaining healthy through the 2026 season is imperative for the Commanders’ success. This means Adam Peters and Dan Quinn need to ensure the offensive line can protect him in the pocket, especially since they don't want Daniels to run as often. Reason for Concern Louis Riddick writes:
Everything that surrounds Daniels concerns me -- the offensive line, makeup of the receivers room, big-play ability of the running backs room and early competency of Blough. Daniels is a superstar. Make no mistake about that. I'm just afraid we won't get to see the best of him if general manager Adam Peters doesn't support him better.
As indicated above, the offensive line is drawing more questions every day. Bringing in Stefon Diggs and watching how the young running backs played in the preseason game is less worrisome than Daniels's protection. Explosive plays from the receivers are anticipated and expected, but Riddick is right to question the big-play ability of the running backs room. However, the best thing that Adam Peters can do for Jayden Daniels is make sure he stays upright behind solid offensive line protection. Nugget to Know Aaron Schatz writes:
Washington was the oldest team last season by snap-weighted age, ranking No. 1 on defense and special teams, and No. 4 on offense.
That isn’t the case in 2026, though. Adam Peters specifically went out and signed younger players on the defensive side of the ball. Until the final rosters are determined, we won’t know exactly where they land age-wise with the rest of the league. But that was Peters' biggest goal this offseason, and it seems he's at least reduced his team's overall average age. Bold prediction for 2027-2029 Seth Walder writes:
The Commanders will trade OL Brandon Coleman for a nice return ahead of the 2027 season. Coleman will step in at left tackle while Laremy Tunsil recovers from triceps surgery. Coleman has had a strong 90.7% pass block win rate at tackle over his career, including a 92.3% last season (albeit with a lot more double-team help than Tunsil had). A big season from Coleman could garner the interest of another team.
Brandon Coleman has a huge opportunity this season. Tunsil will likely not return in 2026, which means that the starting left tackle job is Coleman’s to lose. He was the starter in 2024, before Tunsil joined the Commanders, and did well during Jayden Daniels’ Offensive Rookie of the Year run. If he does it again, the Commanders will have to decide. As a third-round pick, there’s no fifth-year option, and while Coleman is currently signed through the 2027 season, good left tackles are hard to come by, and the Commanders could get a nice return for him. This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Uncertainty hurts Commanders in future NFL power rankings