Commanders took advantage of opportunities in 2026 NFL Draft

Not everyone loved the Washington Commanders' 2026 NFL Draft haul. While the Commanders received mostly positive reviews for their six-player class, one draft analyst liked what they did, but gave an honest assessment: Washington simply did well for what it had. The Commanders simply didn't have enough opportunities.

Washington was without picks in the second and fourth rounds after last year's trade for left tackle Laremy Tunsil. While general manager Adam Peters would've loved to have had those picks back, that's a deal he'd make every time. Tunsil was phenomenal in his first year for the Commanders. He played so well that Washington rewarded him with a two-year contract extension, locking him up through 2028 and also making him the NFL's highest-paid offensive lineman again.

ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. gave Washington a B. Fox Sports draft analyst Rob Rang was a little lower on the Commanders, giving them a C.

With only six draft picks — including just two among the first 146 picks — the Commanders had fewer opportunities than most. Any evaluation of their class should also note the second and fourth-round picks peddled earlier, however, for veteran left tackle Laremy Tunsil. 

Nevertheless, Washington found a future star at linebacker in Sonny Styles and one of my favorite wideouts in Antonio Williams. Styles’ sideline-to-sideline speed will be maximized in Dan Quinn’s defense, and I’m also excited to see twitchy edge rusher Joshua Joseph’s development in this system. 

This is an extremely fair assessment from Rang. Draft grades are impossible. Yes, everyone loves to read them after a draft, but it's almost impossible to determine how well a team does before they even play a game. With only two picks among the first 146, you'd better hit home runs on those two picks. The Commanders believe Sonny Styles is a future superstar, in the mold of 49ers star Fred Warner and Bobby Wagner. Antonio Williams can play inside or outside, and should quickly find himself in the starting lineup, opposite Terry McLaurin.

What about Washington's other three picks? Joshua Josephs is intriguing. Many analysts believed he'd go much higher. With the Commanders, he's not expected to come in and start. He can play special teams and serve as a reserve while sitting under head coach Dan Quinn's learning tree.

Running back Kaytron Allen will play this fall. He could serve as the team's short-yardage back as a rookie. Center Matt Gulbin should develop into a quality reserve at all three interior positions, while quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis is a long-term developmental option behind star quarterback Jayden Daniels.

If Styles and Williams become what Washington thinks they will be, this class will be remembered fondly, regardless of how much the other four contribute.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders landed two potential studs in 2026 NFL Draft