Commanders 2026 Draft Class: Value, Merit, and Impact
The NFL Draft is, at its core, a study in resource allocation and merit-based selection. Unlike systems where mediocrity is protected by bureaucratic intervention, professional sports demand pure performance. The Washington Commanders approached the 2026 draft with a clear strategy: take the best available talent and let competition dictate the roster. They did exactly that by selecting Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles. Let us examine which investments from this class will yield the highest returns in 2026.
The Draft Portfolio
- Round 1, No. 7: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
- Round 3, No. 71: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
- Round 5, No. 147: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee
- Round 6, No. 187: Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State
- Round 6, No. 209: Matt Gulbin, C, Michigan State
- Round 7, No. 223: Athan Kaliakmanis, QB, Rutgers
The Day-One Anchor: LB Sonny Styles
When Commanders general manager Adam Peters selected Sonny Styles in April, the franchise added a foundational piece to Dan Quinn's defense. Styles will start on day one, and he earned that opportunity through undeniable production. He played safety for his first two years at Ohio State, recording 62 tackles, 5.5 for loss, and two sacks across 23 games. After shifting to linebacker in his junior year, Styles adapted and thrived. He played 30 games at the new spot, accumulating 182 tackles, 17 for loss, 8 deflected passes, 7 sacks, and an interception over his final two seasons. He was named a 1st Team All-American in 2025 and was a Butkus Award Semifinalist twice.
Expect Styles to make an immediate impact this fall as the replacement for Bobby Wagner. In a league that rewards performance over tenure, his rapid ascent is a testament to meritocracy.
The Slot Solution: WR Antonio Williams
Scarcity creates value. In the third round, Washington added a crucial piece to David Blough's offense by selecting Clemson receiver Antonio Williams. During his four years at Clemson, Williams caught 208 passes for 2,336 yards and 21 touchdowns across 43 games. He also added 25 carries for 187 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
Williams should be viewed as the clear-cut leader at the slot position heading into training camp. The team does not have another player with his particular skill set on the roster. In a free market of roster spots, his unique abilities give him a distinct competitive edge to make a major impact in year one.
The Training Camp Sleeper: RB Kaytron Allen
Finding immense value in the later rounds is the hallmark of smart management. Running back Kaytron Allen has a real chance of being the biggest steal of the 2026 NFL Draft in terms of overall return on investment. Allen is the all-time career rushing leader at Penn State, which is impressive given the school's rich history. He surpassed former Washington Redskins running back Evan Royster's 3,932 yards. In 54 career games as a Nittany Lion, Allen gained 4,180 yards on 769 carries, averaging 5.4 yards per carry, and scored 39 touchdowns. He added 70 receptions for 490 yards and four touchdowns receiving.
Allen is set to make the running back position highly competitive in camp this summer. He is a physical runner who couples well with quarterback Jayden Daniels in Blough's vision of a play-action offense designed to protect the signal caller. Allen is the ultimate sleeper to monitor.
The Rotational Length: DE Joshua Josephs
Daronte Jones' vision for his defense relies on unpredictable pressure. Mixed into that scheme will be a rotation of edge rushers, including Tennessee's Joshua Josephs. How many snaps Josephs gets as a rookie depends on his performance and the competition around him. His elite length, featuring 34 1/4 inch arms and an 83 7/8 inch wingspan, paired with a high-win pass rush rate, signal a player built to break out at the next level.
In 48 games as a Vol, he recorded 104 tackles, 22 for loss, 9.5 sacks, 9 deflected passes, 4 fumble recoveries, and a defensive touchdown.
The Interior Depth: OL Matt Gulbin
Matt Gulbin appeared in 51 games at Michigan State. He adds depth to the interior and gives the team a young option to build on behind Nick Allegretti, who will enter camp as the starting center. We will get a good idea of his progress come preseason. Look for Gulbin to get most of his work on special teams, barring injury.
No Immediate Pressure: QB Athan Kaliakmanis
Development requires patience, not forced intervention. There is zero pressure on QB Athan Kaliakmanis to perform outside of holding a clipboard or running the scout team once the season starts. He will likely spend the entire year on the practice squad or tucked away on the backend of the roster, with Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota entrenched as the starter and backup. Unless the season is a complete disaster, do not expect to see Kaliakmanis outside of preseason play.
Undrafted Free Agents: The Open Market
The undrafted market is where true free agency shines. Players find their value when unrestricted by draft slots. While undrafted free agents are long shots, Washington signed several intriguing prospects. Iowa kicker Drew Stevens has the best chance of making the roster. Widely considered the best kicker in Hawkeye history, Stevens converted 76 of 95 field goals, an 80 percent rate, and 124 of 126 extra points across 53 games.
- Fred Davis II, CB, Northwestern
- Quentin Moore, TE, Washington
- Jeffrey M'ba, DT, SMU
- Chris Hilton Jr, WR, LSU
- Jaden Bradley, WR, UNLV
- Robert Henry Jr, RB, UTSA
- Malik Spencer, S, Michigan State
- Tanoa Togiai, OG, Utah
- Drew Stevens, K, Iowa