The Washington Commanders focused on youth and speed in the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting linebacker Sonny Styles seventh overall. Other notable picks include wide receiver Antonio Williams and running back Kaytron Allen, aimed at enhancing their roster after a disappointing season.
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Dan Quinnās defenses have always done their best with speed at the linebacker position. Bobby Wagner and Deion Jones held down the middle of his best defenses over the years and he went into this class wanting to find that caliber of player. Easier said than done, but thereās plenty of reason for Washington to be optimistic about Sonny Styles. Styles has ridiculous athleticism that could change the entire Commanders defense. He is still a bit raw, but the upside with this pick was obvious. Quinn wants speed and physicality more than anything else on defense and thatās what heās getting in Styles.
The Washington Commanders drafted Sonny Styles, Antonio Williams, Joshua Josephs, Kaytron Allen, Matt Gulbin, and Athan Kaliakmanis.
Sonny Styles plays linebacker and was a key pick due to his exceptional athleticism and potential to enhance the Commanders' defense.
Antonio Williams is expected to be a reliable #2 or #3 receiver, providing support to top receiver Terry McLaurin and helping quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Kaytron Allen is known for his consistency and ability to break off big runs, making him a valuable complementary player to the Commanders' lead back.
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Washington has their top receiver in Terry McLaurin and thereās little reason to believe he wonāt be a factor once again next year. But helping Jayden Daniels in Year 3 means acquiring more weapons for him in the passing game. Antonio Williams is a āB+ at everything, A+ at nothingā type receiver. And thatās not a slight. Heās a smart, physical, reliable receiver who runs good routes, has good hands, and does a good job after the catch. He wonāt take over games week to week, but he will be a really good #2 or 3 receiver in the Washington offense pretty quickly.
This is another speed-forward defensive draft pick for Washington. Joshua Josephs is a high upside player and exactly the type of defensive prospect Dan Quinn loves to develop.
This was my favorite pick for Washington. Kaytron Allen is a consistent, bruising back who has enough juice to break off some big runs every few carries. I felt he was underrated in college and clearly underrated in this draft process. The Commanders already have a good lead back in Jacory Croskey-Merritt, but now they have a really good complementary player in Allen.
Washington makes a late round investment in protecting Jayden Daniels. Considering how vulnerable heās been to injury, I thought Washington would draft offensive line earlier. Gulbin played a ton of football at the college level and thereās a lot to like about his game from a demeanor standpoint. He has starter upside but will have an uphill climb.
There were many quarterbacks in this class who warranted a late round gamble and Kaliakmanis was one of them. Heās a guy who got better every year of college despite never playing on talented teams. He has a good build, a strong arm, and a willingness to hang in a muddy pocket. He has intriguing upside to be a solid NFL backup.