The Washington Commanders’ NFL draft class has been working within the organization for months now. The selections have immersed themselves in the organizational culture, strength and conditioning programs and offensive/defensive systems they’ll be asked to execute starting Sept. 13 Philadelphia Eagles.
We’ve learned a ton about how they’re fitting in, with far less leaning on draft profiles and college tape for reference. That has provided a clearer picture of these prospects – that term applies
until we see them play significant regular-season snaps – and what they’ll realistically contribute during the 2026 campaign.
Those thoughts will evolve over time, as we see how they adjust and develop to the NFL game. Let’s go over where they are right now and how much of an instant impact general manager Adam Peters’ draft class can make:
LB Sonny Styles
Don’t get the consternation over Sonny Styles these past few weeks. Never did. Never will. On-site reporters typically lauded Styles’ performance during training camp, while also mentioning some missteps.
Everyone else poured over 29 preseason snaps, with most focusing some faults. What a freaking shock the rookie in his third-ever season at linebacker looked hesitant at times in that sample size. He didn’t play everything perfectly? He didn’t look like the second coming of Chris Hanburger or London Fletcher? You don’t say. Overall, he did just fine.
Not sure who expected that off the jump or to even start the regular season. Styles will be just fine. There’s no harm in Frankie Luvu taking some pre-snap responsibilities. He’ll be a defensive mainstay and coordinator Daronte Jones will add things to his plate when appropriate. Confidence in Styles shouldn’t wane. He’s a rookie. He has a great work ethic, elite athleticism and want to. He’s learning and developing. He’s going to a playmaker as a rookie. Book it.
WR Antonio Williams
The third-round pick out of Clemson really turned it on during training camp’s later stages, with observers highlighting moments that showed advanced technique and separation ability for a rookie.
Despite quality depth in his position group, it’s fair to expect Antonio Williams will be the No. 3 option, either in the slot or outside at or near the regular season opener. Those are lofty expectations for a Day 2 pick playing a position with a difficult NFL transition, but Williams has shown himself well and is earning trust with the Commanders staff.
Will he make an impact similar to fellow third-rounder Terry McLaurin (58-919-7)? Never say never, but that seems tough with the receiver quality in the room. A profound impact is in the cards. Don’t panic if he starts slow and his playing time dips. The Commanders have the talent to step and let him develop and prepare for a future time in the spotlight.
EDGE Joshua Josephs
The fifth-rounder from Tennessee has shown flashes during training camp and the preseason. I mean, anyone see that all-effort fumble recovery versus Detroit?!? Joshua Josephs also got plenty of first-team work with Odafe Oweh and K’Lavon Chaisson out, which will help in the long term.
Josephs is far from a finished product (obviously) and, as our Jamual Forrest points out, the edge rusher must learn to stay disciplined – anyone see that long read-option touchdown allowed versus Detroit?!? — to stay on the field.
He’ll be part of the edge rusher rotation behind Oweh, Chaisson and Dorance Armstrong once he returns from a one-game suspension. That’s a solid group that will allow Josephs to contribute without the requirements or heavy snap count of a feature player. That’s what you want for a promising Day 3 pick.
RB Kaytron Allen
The post-draft excitement about Allen was sky high. Maybe it was the Penn State rushing record or the desire to be called Fatman, but fans loved Kaytron Allen from the outset. He’s an individual worth rooting for, but he might be a short-yardage option at the start.
Bill Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White will see most all of the carries, as they should considering their track records. Also, Jeremy McNichols will play an offensive role when he returns off IR. The point in saying all that: expectations should be kept realistic. There are examples of late-round running backs turning it on as rookies. Washington might not need that unless there’s an injury.
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OL Matt Gulbin
As it stands on this Friday afternoon (Sept. 4), the Michigan state product is Nick Allegretti’s primary backup at center. Given the veteran’s calf issues this summer, that’s a vital role right now. Is Gulbin ready for full-time duty? That seems like a scary prospect considering all that’s required of a Commanders center. Unless there’s a roster addition soon, that’s how Washington will open the season.
Gulbin has been complimented by many within the Commanders organization, which has had options to add a veteran backup and declined. Center seems like Gulbin’s spot over guard right now, so continued development is more important than anything. In ideal world, Allegretti plays well, stays healthy and takes every regular-season snap.
QB Athan Kaliakmanis
The seventh-round pick from Rutgers played his way onto the 53-man roster with a strong camp and preseason. He wasn’t perfect by any stretch but showed arm talent and willingness to push the ball down the field.
This is a long-term play, with Kaliakmanis auditioning all year for the chance to be Jayden Daniels’ backup after Marcus Mariota leaves Washington.
