Draft analyst has surprising name for Commanders' best value pick

The Washington Commanders had only six picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. Washington traded its second- and fourth-round selections in the 2026 draft last March for left tackle Laremy Tunsil. Even though it's only been one season, that was a terrific trade for the Commanders, who recently signed Tunsil to a record-setting extension after an excellent 2025 season.

The Commanders did not make any draft-day trades, drafting six players, led by Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles at No. 7 overall. Most analysts liked Washington's draft, even though it had only two selections in the first 146 picks.

NFL draft analyst Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports recently ranked every 2026 NFL Draft class. He gave Washington a B+. He really liked Washington's selection of Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams at No. 71 overall, saying he could quickly become a favorite of quarterback Jayden Daniels.

You may be surprised at who Wilson named as his best value pick for Washington: seventh-round QB Athan Kaliakmanis.

I have to mention Athan Kaliakmanis here only because I brought him on the Cover 3 podcast ahead of the draft as an off-the-radar QB who could get drafted. And he did. Ahead of Garrett Nussmeier. He was a fun watch for Rutgers last season, where he was asked to do a lot. He'll have a chance to make the roster in Washington though if he sees the field next season that means something has probably gone horribly wrong.