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The Washington Commanders’ 2026 draft class delivered high-end value, a defensive cornerstone, and meaningful depth across the roster, which, strangely but quietly, has not gotten the attention it deserves.
Washington entered the 2026 NFL Draft with six picks and a clear mandate: add athletic, versatile players who fit a long-term roster vision. Across all three days, they did exactly that — highlighted by landing Sonny Styles, a projected top‑five talent, at No. 7 overall. When you think about the type of talent that Washington ultimately raked in, in terms of draft capital, over how consistently they found value throughout that weekend. Now there's a matter of converting that talent into actual, consistent results... the next step in finalizing this type of assessment will be complete.
Final Grade: B+ A franchise‑defining draft that strengthens the defense, adds an offensive playmaker in the slot, and builds depth — all while securing the league’s top value haul should be praised, and I give them credit for that, but the key to making this team a dangerous, legitimate playoff contender still lies in what happens with their ultra-talented QB, who when compared with all of his division foes, many of his conference and league foes is still woefully short in weaponry.
Washington entered the 2026 NFL Draft with six picks and a clear mandate: add athletic, versatile players who fit a long-term roster vision. Across all three days, they did exactly that — highlighted by landing Sonny Styles, a projected top‑five talent, at No. 7 overall. When you think about the type of talent that Washington ultimately raked in, in terms of draft capital, over how consistently they found value throughout that weekend. Now there's a matter of converting that talent into actual, consistent results... the next step in finalizing this type of assessment will be complete.
Round-by-Round Assessment
Round 1, Pick 7 — Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Styles is the centerpiece of the class — a 6'5", 244‑pound hybrid defender with elite athleticism and a rare ability to impact every phase of the game. Washington needed a foundational defensive piece, and Styles fits the Fred Warner‑type role GM Adam Peters covets. He’s expected to start immediately and stabilize a defense that ranked in the bottom five in multiple categories last season. His combine performance — including a 4.46 40‑yard dash and a 43.5" vertical — cemented him as one of the most explosive linebacker prospects in years. Why I wanted to select this player over all others becomes clear when you consider his versatility, having converted from safety to linebacker. I'm sure he'll line up in packages featuring him playing both roles at times against the league's tight ends and pass-catching running backs.Round 3, Pick 71 — Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
Williams brings separation ability, inside‑outside versatility, and strong yards‑after‑catch skills. Washington needed a reliable complement to Terry McLaurin, and Williams’ consistent production at Clemson suggests he can fill that role. However, I see him better suited to the slot role, where I believe he is more effective than the WR2 role. He was selected slightly later than projected, adding to Washington’s value haul. If he's as good as advertised, I turn my concerns towards whether McCaffrey and/or Lane can secure jobs on this roster. The concern heightens because at Clemson, Williams was used in multiple roles — as a receiver, runner, and occasional passer — and also saw action as a punt returner, TigerNet. In 2024, he averaged 9.65 yards per punt return and was credited with a rushing touchdown on a punt returnRound 5, Pick 146 — Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee
A developmental pass rusher with burst and length, Josephs was one of Washington’s biggest value wins — expected to go 70 picks earlier. He adds needed juice to the edge rotation and fits the team’s emphasis on athletic upside. Dan Quinn, former DC in Dallas, has once coached Micah Parsons, and it's no secret that he wants his own version of that sort of dominating player in Washington. Josephs may or may not eventually fill that role, but I believe he was drafted to be groomed to do what Parsons did for Quinn previously.Round 6, Pick 186 — Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State
Arguably the steal of Washington’s draft, Allen was selected 56 spots later than expected. A physical, downhill runner (5'11" 219lbs) and Penn State’s all‑time leading rusher, he immediately strengthens the backfield and offers early‑down reliability. Paired with Bill, his role will be to provide the thunder preceding Bill's lightning in David Blough's offensive scheme.Round 6, Pick 208 — Matt Gulbin, C, Michigan State
The highest‑graded center in college football in 2025 (per PFF), Gulbin adds interior line depth and long‑term starter potential. Another strong value pick, he was drafted 40 spots later than projected. After releasing Tyler Biadasz, the center position became a need, and I'm not sure this player fills it. Pre=draft, I suggested a need for Washington to acquire/draft someone who had the capabilities of moving the noted "fat boy" DL that teams are fielding these days. What you see with Gulbin is a player who wins with old-school brute strength and sheer stubbornness rather than any kind of athletic edge. He is never going to win a footrace with a 3-technique, and his movement skills will be tested the moment he faces NFL-caliber speed. But here is the thing: his anchor is among the best in this entire draft class, regardless of position. When he sets his feet and locks in, pass rushers simply do not move him. That kind of immovable base has real value in the league, even if it comes packaged with limited lateral agility. The fit for Gulbin is clearly in an inside zone or gap-heavy running scheme where the center is asked to be physical at the point of attack rather than reach-block defensive tackles in space. His run-blocking profile is built on power, leverage, and an absolutely nasty finishing mentality. He will bury defenders when he gets his hands on them. In pass protection, his efficiency numbers were borderline untouchable in 2025, and while the competition level jumps significantly at the next level, the foundation of his pass-pro game (that instant anchor and reset ability) translates well. A team that runs a lot of duo, power, and inside zone will get the best version of Gulbin. The developmental timeline matters here. Gulbin played one full season at center, and it showed in flashes, both the upside and the growing pains. He will likely need a year behind a veteran to refine his pre-snap reads, clean up his hand timing, and learn to consistently identify NFL blitz packages.Round 7, Pick 223 — Athan Kaliakmanis, QB, Rutgers
A developmental quarterback with tools and mobility, Kaliakmanis enters a room behind Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota. He’ll compete with Sam Hartman for the long‑term backup role, and considering Hartman's showing thus far will likely take his spot on the PS. Honestly, I don't see much of a meaningful future for either guy beyond some teams' practice squad.Overall Grade & Final Verdict
National analysts consistently graded Washington’s draft as one of the best in the league, praising its blend of immediate contributors and long‑term upside. I have reservations. Although the Commanders addressed some key needs without reaching, they stayed disciplined to their board, and maximized value at nearly every pick. The biggest hole, wide receiver, remains dangerously unfilled IMO.Final Grade: B+ A franchise‑defining draft that strengthens the defense, adds an offensive playmaker in the slot, and builds depth — all while securing the league’s top value haul should be praised, and I give them credit for that, but the key to making this team a dangerous, legitimate playoff contender still lies in what happens with their ultra-talented QB, who when compared with all of his division foes, many of his conference and league foes is still woefully short in weaponry.










