The 2026 NFL Draft is officially over and Washington has added 6 new players to their roster. The Commanders entered the draft with 6 picks, and general manager Adam Peters went into this draft looking to raise the talent level of the team, and that’s what he did on Day 1 of the draft. He didn’t expect Ohio State LB Sonny Styles to be available at No. 7, but when he was, it was an easy choice. Styles got a lot more eyeballs on him at the NFL Scouting Combine when he put on a historic performance. He’s a leader on and off the field, and is expected to be a leader on new DC Daronte Jones’ defense.
The Commanders only had one pick on Day 2, and some people were expecting them to try to trade down to acquire more draft capital. That didn’t happen, and Peters went with the best player left on Washington’s board. They loved Clemson WR Antonio Williams, and he’s now the newest receiver for Jayden Daniels to throw to. Williams is a very good route runner who can get separation which Peters aid differentiated him from other WRs in the class. Washington can use him in the slot and outside.
The Commanders entered day 3 with four picks and they didn’t make any trades. Washington kicked off Day 3 by picking Tennessee EDGE Joshua Josephs in the fifth round. He was a good run stopper in college, and will likely be a depth/rotational piece early in his career. The Commanders signed Odafe Oweh to a 4-year, $100 million deal last month, but they only have one other DE under contract after this season(Javontae Jean-Baptiste).
Washington had a long wait until their next pick, and they used it on Penn State RB Kaytron Allen. He’s a big back, but he’s not going to kill you with his speed. He joins Bill Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White, Jerome Ford, and Jeremy McNichols in the backfield.
They used their second sixth-round pick on a center! Michigan State’s Matt Gulbin joins an offensive line that is looking for a starter at his position. Tyler Biadasz was released and his back, Nick Allegretti was extended. Gulbin has the opportunity to compete for the starting job in his rookie season.
Washington’s final pick came in the seventh round, and they added Rutgers QB Athan Kaliakmanis. Washington needs a QB3 who can develop into a QB2 after Marcus Mariota signs his last 1-year contract. Kaliakmanis was 229 of 368 for 3,124 with 20 TDs in his last season in New Jersey.
How did Washington do in the draft this year? Where did they miss? Which was your favorite pick?
Round 6 (via SF) – #209 – Matt Gulbin, C, Michigan State