After trading them for a premium position the season before, the Washington Commanders (with this draft review) had few picks going into the 2026 NFL Draft.
After a successful offseason retooling of the defense and adding playmakers around their franchise quarterback, Washington was seeking to address a few key areas.
Today, we go over the six selections they made over draft day weekend that could help the team in 2026. This draft review showcases each player picked and what they are capable of.
Draft Review- Sonny Styles 1st Round (#7)
Sonny Styles at No. 7 shows the Commanders’ commitment to a defense that is building to be fast, physical, and adaptable in the modern era.
Styles will offer exceptional versatility, able to play as a linebacker that this franchise has been desperately looking for. The explosiveness and instincts position him as a likely candidate to assume defensive leadership responsibilities early in his career.
Although his consistency continues to develop, his potential is evident. Within Daronte Jones’s defensive scheme, the former Ohio State linebacker Styles is a strategic asset who can enable multiple fronts and disguises. This offseason has reflected a focus on establishing a distinct defensive identity as much as acquiring talent.
Antonio Williams- A Reliable Target in the Passing Game
Antonio Williams looks to be a reliable option for Washington’s passing game—someone with the technical know-how and attention to detail to get the job done.
He has the innate ability to identify zones in the defense due to his route-running prowess. By drafting Williams, the team is therefore a perfect fit for a new timing-focused West Coast offense.
He is not the tallest player at the X position, but his consistency and ability to sustain drives will probably earn the quarterback’s trust right away.
Williams is widely expected to be a dependable player who could develop into Jayden Daniels’ trusted #2 wide receiver.
He can play in the Z and Slot, which will provide matchup problems for opposing secondaries. By looking at the film during the draft review, Williams looks to be a star in the making in DC.
Joshua Josephs- Explosive Edge Presence
The Commanders decided to look for value on day 3 of the draft by looking into the pass rush with the addition of Joshua Josephs: he’s bringing a lot of energy and explosiveness to the table.
Joseph’s best trait is his quick first step, and he’s also got the endurance to keep pushing through and making plays.
As he keeps working on becoming a more well-rounded defender, his ability to get in the face of opposing quarterbacks is already going to be a huge asset, especially when he’s rotating in.
The Commanders’ defense is all about being aggressive and adaptable, and Josephs has the skills to be a major player as an edge rusher in that kind of scheme.
With his talent and work ethic, he’s got the potential to make a real impact and be a key contributor to the team’s success.
Kaytron Allen- “Fatman” with Workhorse Potential
Adding a little fun to this draft review, Kaytron Allen brings a physical presence to Washington’s backfield, defined by a downhill running style.
He’s a powerful runner who can maintain his balance and keep moving forward even when he’s hit, which helps wear down defenses over time.
Becoming the all-time leading rusher at Penn State is not an easy feat, especially sharing the backfield with Nic Singleton.
Now, Allen will have a huge opportunity for a backfield that lacks a true RB1. David Blough will look to use Allen as his David Montgomery in this new scheme.
Matt Gulbin- Future Anchor in the Middle
Matt Gublin is a slam-dunk value pick to bolster depth with a player who’s all about being. He can play multiple spots on the o-line, with his last season being the starting center.
He’s really good at making the right calls on the line and has a strong base in the run game.
With him on the team, he will learn in the background, as veterans will help ease his transition. He won’t always get a lot of attention because he’s not the most athletic in space, but guys like Gublin are vital to developing behind the scenes into future starters.
Athan Kaliakmanis- Developmental QB with Tools
Athan Kaliakmanis rounds out the draft review as a quarterback with a lot of potential for growth.
He’s got a strong arm and can move around well, which makes him a good candidate to be a backup quarterback in the long run.
With some more time and practice, he can work on making better decisions and fine-tuning his technique. Even though he’s still developing, you can already see he has some great basic skills.
In today’s NFL, having a good backup quarterback is really important, and Washington is getting a player who could be a great asset in the future.
Final Thoughts
This draft review has reflected the vision from the Commanders’ front office.
By addressing multiple areas of need while maintaining a focus on fit and development,
Washington continues to build a roster capable of sustained success. If these players develop as expected, this group could play a significant role in shaping the team’s future to become consistent NFC contenders.
