What Commanders' Week 17 loss means for Washington's 2026 NFL draft pick

The Washington Commanders have dropped 10 of their last 11 games, as the team fell to the Dallas Cowboys at home on Christmas Day in Week 17.

2025 has been an incredibly disappointing year for the Commanders. Though Dan Quinn's squad has been plagued with injuries, Washington reached the NFC championship game in 2024, so suffering a losing season just a year later is demoralizing.

However, there is a silver lining for Washington. Due to their awful 4-12 record through 16 games, the Commanders will be picking high in the 2026 NFL Draft and could land an impact player who could help with their hopeful turnaround in 2026.

2026 NFL Draft order

1. New York Giants (2-13)

2. Las Vegas Raiders (2-13)

3. Cleveland Beowns (3-12)

4. New York Jets (3-12)

5. Tennessee Titans (3-12)

6. Arizona Cardinals (3-12)

7. Washington Commanders (4-12)

8. New Orleans Saints (5-10)

9. Cincinnati Bengals (5-10)

10. Miami Dolphins (6-9)

Washington entered Thursday's contest against Dallas at No.7 overall, and they'll stay there, for now.

By the end of Week 17, the Commanders could have the fourth overall pick. Victories by the New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, and Arizona Cardinals would move Washington to No.4 in the draft order. If all those teams end up losing, then the Commanders would stay at seventh overall.

Overall, Washington is guaranteed a top-ten pick with their 4-12 record. However, they could move up into the top five heading into Week 18 based on how the rest of Week 17 plays out.