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.