The Washington Commanders entered the 2026 NFL Draft with just six picks, but they left it as one of the league's most improved teams. After a roller-coaster season that saw them plummet from an NFC Championship appearance to a 5-12 record, General Manager Adam Peters knew a major shakeup was in order.

The Commanders' roster was aging, injury-plagued, and in desperate need of a jolt. Peters wasted no time in free agency, loading up on defensive talent with edge rushers Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson, linebacker Leo Chenal, and safety Nick Cross. On offense, he added tight end Chig Okonkwo, giving quarterback Jayden Daniels a dynamic new weapon in the passing game. In total, Peters signed over a dozen free agents, injecting youth, speed, and depth into a lineup that needed all three.

But the real statement came in the draft. Despite holding only six selections, the Commanders made the most of their top pick at No. 7 overall, grabbing Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles. The athletic playmaker is already turning heads and is expected to anchor an improved pass rush under a retooled coaching staff.

Head coach Dan Quinn isn't making excuses for last season's struggles. Instead, he's making bold changes. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury is out, replaced by quarterbacks coach David Blough, who plans to put Daniels under center more often. Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. has been swapped for Daronte Jones, formerly of the Minnesota Vikings, signaling a renewed focus on defensive pressure.

Eric Williams of Fox Sports took notice, ranking Washington No. 4 among the five teams that improved most after the draft. For a squad that went from contender to cellar dweller in just one year, that's a sign of a turnaround that's already underway—and one that fans should be excited to watch unfold.