There is a long tradition of people giving draft picks a grade less than 24 hours after they’ve been made. Some of them are spot on after the players have shown who they are after a few years in the league, and some of them look pretty bad. A lot of graders get stuck on their personal rankings, and will tank a player’s selection because of that. How a player fits with a team, and their needs plays a big part here as well.
The Washington Commanders entered this year’s draft with six picks, and they
kicked it off at No. 7 by picking former Ohio State LB Sonny Styles. They didnt make any trades during the draft to add more picks, or move up for a value target. Washington selected Clemson WR Antonio Williams on Day 2, and that pick had mixed reactions due to size and injury history. GM Adam Peters loves him and has high expectations for his ability to improve the offense.
Day 3 saw a little more action for the Commsnders with four picks. They had to wait until the 5th round to select Tennessee EDGE Joshua Josephs, and managing partner Josh Harris told him they were worried he wouldn’t be there. Josephs had fun telling the media that his first sack in college was against LSU’s Jayden Daniels, and they put belt to ass that day.
The Commanders added another offensive weapon in the 6th round with Penn State RB Kaytron Allen who likes to be called Fat man. Two more offensive picks finished out the day. Washington finally addressed center by drafting Michigan State’s Matt Gulbin. They also added a QB to compete for QB3, drafting Rutgers’ Athan Kaliakmanis.
The NFL draft grading cabal agrees that this was a good draft for the Commanders, despite missing their second- and fourth- round picks due to lady year’s trade for LT Laremy Tunsil. They got one A+, and their lowest grade was a B-. Hogs Haven gave the draft class a B, and there will be a lot of time to debate these picks before we get to see them in action!
Washington Commanders 2026 NFL Draft Picks
Round 1 – #7 – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Round 3 – #71 – Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
Round 5 – #147 – Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee
Round 6 – #187 – Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State
Round 6 (via SF) – #209 – Matt Gulbin, C, Michigan State
Round 7 – #223 – Athan Kaliakmanis, QB, Rutgers
Pro Football Network (A+)
Sporting News (A)
The Commanders didn’t have a lot of quantity with only six picks for GM Adam Peters, but they nailed needs for the new defense with Styles and Josephs for the linebacker corps. Williams and Allen are the ideal complements for what they have offensively to help Jayden Daniels with Terry McLaurin and newcomer Rachaad White.
Walter Football (A)
Goals Entering the 2026 NFL Draft: The Redskins have just two picks in the first four rounds, so they need to draft very carefully. They somehow have to both find Jayden Daniels another weapon and improve their horrible defense that has issues at every level. Good luck, Washington.
2026 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Washington didn’t have much to work with, but it made the most of what it had. Of the four picks the Redskins had in the top 200, all of them scored in the “A” range. They drafted incredibly well, selecting either mega talents or great bargains.
The Redskins planned on taking Carnell Tate, but because he was off the board, that allowed Washington to obtain the better player, as Sonny Styles figures to provide a much-needed colossal upgrade in the middle of the defense. Then, in the third round, Antonio Williams was obtained to provide Jayden Daniels with the upgrade he likely thought he was getting at No. 7.
Washington continued to draft strongly after that, securing a third-round prospect in Joshua Josephs in Round 5, and a fourth-round prospect in Kaytron Allen in the sixth frame. Allen and sixth-round center Matt Gulbin will give Daniels more of a supporting system, while Josephs could bolster a weak pass rush. All of these elements were able to add up to a stellar draft class for Washington.
CBS Sports(A-)
The Commanders have their Von Miller replacement. The veteran linebacker remains a free agent, and selecting the best player at his position in the draft suggests Washington is content to let him walk. There is always a positional value discussion when it comes to taking inside linebackers in the first round, but Styles has been widely considered a top-10 talent since his remarkable showing at the combine.
Washington also identified a couple new weapons for Jayden Daniels. With Terry McLaurin returning as the only sure thing in the receiving corps, the Commanders needed to come out of this draft with a plus receiver to inject some young excitement into the group. They got that in Antonio Williams, who played in the slot at Clemson and will get open at a high rate in this offense. And at running back, Kaytron Allen was one half of a dynamic Penn State duo for four years and now brings some bully-ball tendencies to Washington.
There was some thought the Commanders would be in play for Jeremiyah Love in the early first round, but instead they waited until Saturday to take Allen.
They also took a quarterback on Saturday — one in Athan Kaliakmanis, who brings some mobility as a backup but, according to Edwards, is a low-ceiling prospect.
Pro Football Focus (A-)
Highest-graded pick (2025): HB Kaytron Allen, Penn State Nittany Lions (89.5)
Styles: Styles had an excellent season at Ohio State, earning 85.0-plus grades as both a run defender and coverage defender, and then he tested the way he did at the combine. The positional value argument will come up with Styles, but he has the potential to quickly become one of the better players at the position in the NFL. It’s a much-needed infusion of talent for a Commanders defense that ranked 31st in EPA allowed per play last season.
Williams: Williams is a quick, precise slot-only receiver with strong separation metrics but a low average depth of target. His special teams experience helps support his projection as a depth receiver.
Josephs: Josephs has an appealing blend of size and explosiveness but must improve his technique and anticipation to reach his potential.
Allen: Allen is somewhat limited in his overall athletic profile, but when viewed through the lens of a power back — short-yardage efficiency, yards after contact and pass protection — he projects as a useful committee contributor. He fits best in an offense built around man- and gap-scheme concepts between the tackles.
Gulbin: Gulbin checks in at No. 203 on the PFF Big Board after a highly productive 2025 season, where he ranked seventh in overall grade and 12th in pass-blocking grade among 537 qualifying interior offensive linemen. He allowed just five total pressures (two sacks, one hit, two hurries) on 426 pass-blocking snaps, good for a top-10 pass-block loss rate (ninth) and a top-25 pressure rate (T-21). His 82.0 run-blocking grade ranked eighth, with top-25 marks in both impact blocks (24th) and defeated blocks (T-22).
Kaliakmanis: Kaliakmanis is a seasoned quarterback who logged 1,361 dropbacks at the Big Ten level between Minnesota and Rutgers. He offers limited mobility and must improve consistency on a down-to-down basis, but his flashes of high-end accuracy, reflected in an 18.4% plus accuracy rate, along with his performance under pressure and toughness, support his projection as a potential backup option.
Yahoo Sports (B+)
For years, Dan Quinn has tried to find a new Bobby Wagner to man the middle of his defense and meet the tough asks of running down with receivers in coverage. He even tried an older version of Wagner, albeit with an adjusted role with his advanced age and slower speed. He may have finally found his guy in Sonny Styles, a tremendous talent with length, range and an intelligence that makes him an excellent two-way defender against the run and pass.
While I thought Washington needed to add to its wide receiver room, I thought it would go with a receiver who does more of his work on the outside. Instead, the Commanders went with the smooth moving Antonio Williams. A productive and reliable player who is a great fit for a Commanders receiving corps that doesn’t have players with Williams’ skills.
Joshua Josephs is also an interesting pass rusher with good hands to add to the collection of edge defenders the Commanders assembled this offseason.
Most interesting pick: Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State
Washington signed several running backs this offseason and got floated as having interest in Jeremiyah Love. While the Love pick didn’t happen, Washington still added to its running back room with the bruising Allen. He is a tough runner between the tackles who doesn’t generate explosive plays because of his lack of high-end speed. His vision and strength allow him to get the simple yards blocked for him, which is key for an offense staying on script, but he doesn’t really put a ton of plays over the top. I like that Allen has the hammer that can work between the tackles and punish defenses that have too many eyeballs on Jayden Daniels. He’s like a baseball player who gets on base a ton without hitting a ton of home runs. Rachaad White and Jerome Ford complement Allen’s game nicely, and it’s a not a bad room they’ve assembled, along with Bill, without investing too many resources.
Funnily enough, my predraft comparison for Allen’s running style was Rachaad White.
The Ringer(B+)
The Commanders seemed to fly under the radar a bit during a wild and wacky first round, but their selection of Sonny Styles at no. 7 was one of my favorite picks. Styles is an extremely rangy, reliable tackler who brings untapped upside as a blitzer and situational pass rusher. He fills a big hole created by the departure of Bobby Wagner, giving the team a playmaker to build around at the second level.
I thought the pick of wide receiver Antonio Williams in the third round was a smart one: He’s a dynamic route runner who catches everything and creates after-the-catch out of the slot, giving Jayden Daniels a potential no. 2 option opposite Terry McLaurin.
Edge rusher Joshua Josephs has excellent burst off the edge and gives the team a speed rusher who can contribute to the pass rush rotation right away.
And running back Kaytron Allen could see the field early on; he lacks high-end burst, but he’s a physical, elusive runner who creates on his own and can grind out hard yards.
Washington added multiple early-impact playmakers, and this class could help get the team back on track in 2026.
Sports Illustrated (B+)
The Commanders had a well-rounded draft, filling critical needs on both sides of the ball. Styles landed in an ideal spot, getting to work with coach Dan Quinn, who has a reputation for unlocking vast skill sets of hybrid players. The Ohio State product can patrol the middle of Quinn’s defense before finding his footing as a chess piece. Entering the draft, Washington lacked depth at the skill positions. Now, it has two new weapons for Jayden Daniels: Williams, who can contribute from the slot, and Allen, who can block and make plays with his excellent vision.
The Score (B+)
I think the Commanders should have done everything they could to trade down on Day 1. Their lack of draft capital really hurt their ability to turn over the roster after last year’s disappointment. I really like what they did with the picks they had, though. Sonny Styles should be a great fit as the leader in the middle of Dan Quinn’s defense. Not only is he one of the most athletic players we’ve ever seen at the position, but he’s also an incredibly reliable tackler, and his safety background is evident in his coverage instincts. Antonio Williams, one of my favorite mid-round targets at receiver, could be a dynamic playmaker out of the slot. And while Joshua Josephs may lack the size to be a consistent edge setter in the run game, it’s great to see the Commanders finally get some explosiveness off the edge. It could be a night-and-day difference in that department next season as the Tennessee product joins big-money free-agent additions Odafe Oweh and K’Lavon Chaisson.
New York Post(B+)
After spending $120 million in guaranteed money on defensive free agents, the Commanders still needed a defensive quarterback. The board fell perfectly for head coach Dan Quinn to get his preferred target (Styles). The inside-outside versatility of Williams (21 touchdowns) means he could quickly emerge as their No. 2 receiver.
Cleveland.com (B+)
Taking LB Sonny Styles at No. 7 should give a much-needed jolt to Washington’s defense. While I wasn’t quite as sold on Clemson WR Antonio Williams in the third round, I liked the value of scooping up Tennessee edge rusher Joshua Josephs in the fifth round.
NFL.com(B)
Grades:
Analysis:
With the Chiefs trading up to take cornerback Mansoor Delane off the board at No. 6, Washington selected Styles over his former Ohio State teammate, safety Caleb Downs. Styles should step into the middle of Dan Quinn’s defense without an issue, but only time will tell if he was the best prospect available at No. 7. The Commanders’ original second-round pick was part of last year’s trade for Laremy Tunsil, who needs to stay healthy and help fuel a Commanders playoff run this year to pay off that deal. Williams was a very good value in the third round at a position of need, because he’s quick and stronger than you’d think at his size.
Washington’s original fourth-round pick was the last one dealt for Tunsil. Josephs’ length should make him an effective back-up edge rusher as a rookie, with the possibility that he could be more in the future. Allen was a very good value in the sixth round as a north-south runner who can take over for Austin Ekeler and Chris Rodriguez. Don’t be surprised if the steady Gulbin is the team’s starting center by the end of his rookie season. The Commanders failed to add a cornerback in the draft despite losing multiple veterans in the spring and Trey Amos coming off injury.
ESPN(Kiper) (B)
Top needs entering the draft: Wide receiver, cornerback, safety, center, edge rusher
The Commanders took a big step back last season. After their surprising run to the NFC Championship Game in the 2024 season, they won five games and landed in the top 10 of the draft. Jayden Daniels missed 10 games with various injuries, and the offense tumbled, as you might expect. Washington went from fifth in scoring (28.1 points per game) to 23rd (20.1). Terry McLaurin struggled, and the running backs lacked juice.
Things might have been worse on defense. Washington allowed 6.0 yards per play. Bobby Wagner still did his thing (162 tackles), but he’s a 36-year-old free agent, and one of the oldest rosters of the 2025 season needed to get younger.
At No. 7, Jeremiyah Love was suggested as a perfect fit, and he would have been. But he was long gone when Washington was on the clock. I projected Carnell Tate there in my final mock as the other outside receiver opposite McLaurin, but he was gone, too. The Commanders theoretically could have taken Jordyn Tyson, Reuben Bain Jr. or Caleb Downs to check off needs, but they went with the best player still on the board.
Sonny Styles (fourth in my rankings) shows his former-safety self, using 4.46 speed and elite-level explosion to read the play and close in a flash. He doesn’t miss tackles and chases down running backs before they can get to the edge. He’s a high-floor, high-ceiling prospect who is going to make this team better. It was a really good start to the draft.
Antonio Williams and Kaytron Allen will boost the other side of the ball. Williams catches a lot of passes and is productive after the catch (331 of his 604 yards last year came after securing the football). He missed a little time last season and wasn’t as effective as he was in 2024 (11 touchdowns), but he will be a reliable outlet out of the slot for Daniels while also making an impact as a returner. Allen isn’t Love, but he did score 15 touchdowns on the ground last season and broke 30 runs for at least 10 yards. The Commanders brought in Rachaad White and Jerome Ford to join Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the backfield, but Allen will see his share of touches.
Joshua Josephs fell a little bit in the predraft process (only four sacks last season), and the Athan Kaliakmanis pick was a little off the wall. He was QB19 on my board. If Washington wanted a backup quarterback, Garrett Nussmeier was still there.
Regardless, Styles will be the centerpiece of this draft class, and he has the chance to be a really effective player for a very long time. I’m excited to see him team up with Frankie Luvu and Leo Chenal to shore up the team’s struggling defense.
USA Today (B)
LB Sonny Styles, the seventh overall pick, is the headliner of a light class … and should be creating quite a few headlines for years into the future as the man in the middle and new face of this defense. A freakish athlete and multi-dimensional weapon who used to play safety, Styles’ mind might ultimately be his greatest asset, especially given the likelihood cerebral stud Bobby Wagner likely won’t return. Third-round WR Antonio Williams has a chance to crack the rotation early. And don’t forget that GM Adam Peters spent a package of picks, including this year’s second- and fourth-rounder, in 2025 in order to obtain Pro Bowl LT Laremy Tunsil … as much good as it did QB Jayden Daniels last season.
Athlon Sports (B)
Coming into the draft without a second-round pick, I’m betting the Commanders wanted to trade out of the top 10 to acquire more draft capital. But when LB Sonny Styles fell into their lap at No. 7 overall, they were wise to stay put and take the No. 3 overall player on my board. WR Antonio Williams was a solid match of need and value in the third round, while DE Joshua Josephs and RB Kaytron Allen were both absolute heists in the fifth and sixth rounds, respectively.
OL Matt Gulbin was a solid depth pick in the sixth rough with valuable versatility along the offensive line, and QB Athan Kaliakmanis was an intriguing choice in the seventh round, especially with other quarterbacks like Garrett Nussmeier still on the board.
What this class lacks in quanity, it more than makes up for with quality and a strong balance of value and scheme fits. Not coming away with an impactful cornerback (or any cornerback at all) could come back to bite them in a big way this season, but their top four selections all have a chance to contribute significantly right away. Styles is a cornerstone player who will anchor this defense for years to come, and he’ll carry the banner for this class.
For the Win(B)
Best pick: Styles. The Commanders could get a multi-year All-Pro lineabcker out of the Styles selection if all goes well.
Sleeper pick: Josephs. Washington gets excellent value with Josephs in the fifth round. He could push for real reps this season on the edge.
Hogs Haven (B)
NBC Sports (B-)
Sonny Styles is a sideline-to-sideline defender who blows up run plays and has record-setting athleticism, allowing him to keep up with any tight end or running back in coverage. Like Caleb Downs, he became a slam dunk pick when you didn’t have to spend a top-five pick to land him.
The Commanders have Terry McLaurin at receiver and almost nothing else. They needed a wideout with a long-term WR1 ceiling. Having spent their only pick between one and 71 on Styles, they had to wait until the first few tiers of receiver were off the board to address that position. Antonio Williams is a slot-only possession receiver who produced plenty on carries, returns, and even a few pass attempts, but his YAC numbers were rather muted for a player with his skill set. Given Washington’s clear need at receiver and the depth this class had, it’s a miss to only take one wideout, even with their limited number of picks.
Kaytron Allen is going to take over this backfield by the end of his rookie season. He’s not the sexiest runner, but he follows his blocks and doesn’t go down on first contact. Allen is the type of back coaches and fans love more than fantasy players. With so little at the position on this roster, that archetype makes a ton of sense for Washington.
Clutch Points (B-)
Sonny Styles was a home run for a Commanders team that desperately needed to get younger and more athletic on defense. You don’t get much younger and more athletic than Stylers. They did need a WR2 as well, but Antonio Williams is a pretty polarizing prospect. They could have done better there.
The key to the Commanders’ late-round picks is Kaytron Allen. The former Penn State back burst on the scene and took hold of the starting job in Happy Valley despite tough competition. If he can do the same in Washington, that would be huge for Jayden Dabniels and the offense.
