The Washington Commanders entered the 2026 NFL Draft with six picks and a clear set of needs.
They left it with a complete class, a stronger defensive foundation, and added depth across key positions. Washington used all six selections to address linebacker, wide receiver, edge rusher, running back, the offensive line and quarterback, building a group that should contribute early while still offering long-term upside. Let’s take a dive into this years draft class.
Round 1, Pick 7: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Washington stayed at No. 7 and selected Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, setting the tone for the entire class.
Styles arrives as a plug-and-play starter. At 6-foot-5 and 244 pounds, he brings a rare combination of size and range, along with the ability to stay on the field in all situations. He is primed and ready to be Washington’s Fred Warner. He recorded 100 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and six sacks during his 2024 breakout season, then followed it with All-American honors in 2025. His background as a safety shows up in coverage, where he remains disciplined and comfortable in space.
The pick directly addresses one of Washington’s biggest issues from last season. Linebacker play was inconsistent, particularly in open space, where missed tackles and slow reactions led to extended drives. Styles gives the defense a player who can handle both run and coverage responsibilities without needing to be rotated out, bringing immediate stability to the middle of the unit.
Round 3, Pick 71: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
Washington added a receiver at No. 71 with Clemson’s Antonio Williams, a player who has consistently produced within his offense.
Williams accounted for a significant portion of Clemson’s passing game over multiple seasons, showing the ability to separate early and create after the catch. His production held steady even when the offense around him dipped, which speaks to his ability to win his matchups regardless of situation. He operates with quickness and control in his routes and can consistently find space underneath.
He fills a clear role for Washington, who’s WR group remains a massive question mark. The elephant in the room, of course, remains what Washington’s approach will be regarding the widely known interest with San Francisco’s Brandon Aiyuk. Nonetheless, the Commanders add a receiver who can step into the rotation early, provide reliable targets in the short and intermediate game, and complement the existing group without needing extended time to develop into a contributor.
The Commanders added help to the edge position at No. 147 with Tennessee’s Joshua Josephs, gaining a developmental pass rusher with clear physical tools.
Josephs plays with length and burst, and while his production didn’t always match his athletic ability, the foundation is there. He shows a good feel for leverage, uses his length effectively and can disrupt plays when he wins early in his rush. Adding strength will be a priority as he transitions to the next level. His job will be to get bigger. At 234lbs, Joseph is quite undersized to face NFL tackles.
He projects as a rotational piece early in his career. Washington doesn’t need him to carry a full workload right away, which allows time for development. In passing situations, he has the traits to contribute while working toward a larger role.
Round 6, Pick 187: Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State
Washington added a physical runner in Penn State’s Kaytron Allen at No. 187, bringing production and reliability to the backfield.
Allen rushed for more than 1,300 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2025 while averaging over six yards per carry. He runs with balance, processes quickly and consistently finds space within the structure of the play. His game is built on vision, timing and physicality rather than breakaway speed.
He gives Washington a dependable option in the run game, especically given the departure of Chris Rodriguez, the teams designated power back. Allen can handle carries, contribute in pass protection and provide stability in situations where consistency is needed. His skill set should allow him to carve out a role early in a rotation.
Round 6, Pick 209: Matt Gulbin, OC, Michigan State
The Commanders addressed the interior offensive line with Michigan State center Matt Gulbin, adding experience and versatility late in the draft.
Gulbin brings starting experience at center and both guard positions, which gives Washington flexibility along the interior. He plays with strong leverage, maintains balance in the run game and has shown the ability to anchor in pass protection. His technique and discipline stand out, even without elite athletic traits.
He adds depth immediately and gives Washington a potential future option at center. Players with his versatility often find their way onto the field over the course of a season.
Round 7, Pick 223: Athan Kaliakmanis, QB, Rutgers
Washington used its final pick on Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, adding a developmental option to the quarterback room.
Kaliakmanis started 42 games across Minnesota and Rutgers, finishing his collegiate career with more than 8,600 passing yards and 55 touchdowns. His most efficient season came in 2025, when he threw for 3,123 yards with 20 touchdowns and just seven interceptions, showing improved decision-making and control within the offense.
He operates as a traditional pocket passer. Kaliakmanis works through progressions, delivers the ball with timing in the short and intermediate areas, and avoids forcing throws into coverage. That approach helped limit turnovers and allowed him to stay within the structure of the offense.
There are limitations.
He does not rely on mobility to extend plays and can struggle when pressure reaches him quickly. His downfield accuracy can be inconsistent, particularly against stronger defenses. At this stage, he projects as a depth option rather than a player expected to compete for a starting role.
For Washington, the selection is low-risk. Kaliakmanis will compete for a roster spot and provide depth behind Jayden Daniels, giving the Commanders an experienced arm to develop.
Overall Takeaway
Washington didn’t chase need or reach for value in this draft, and that’s exactly what you want out of a team with only six total picks.
They added a starting linebacker who can stabilize the defense, a receiver who can contribute early, and depth across the roster at key positions. The class brings more athleticism, more balance and a clearer structure to both sides of the ball.
It’s a group built to contribute early while continuing to develop over time, which should bring plenty of optimism to fans in Washington.
Conor Forrest is the Editor-in-Chief and Senior NFL Insider at SportsJourney.com, where he covers the Washington Commanders and the league at large. A Northern Virginia native and George Mason University graduate, his work has appeared in FanSided, NBC Sports Washington, Heavy.com, and The Fourth Estate. He is also the host of the “After Further Review” podcast, reaching a global audience with his analysis and storytelling.
Leave a Reply