Meet the Washington Commanders’ 2026 NFL Draft Class: Complete Breakdown and Analysis

The Commanders earned an A- grade for their impressive six-pick haul led by Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles.

The Washington Commanders entered the 2026 NFL Draft with the No. 7 overall pick following a disappointing 5-12 season in 2025. After three days of selections in Pittsburgh, the franchise walked away with what experts are calling one of the most impressive draft classes in the league, earning an overall A- grade from CBS Sports and other major analysts.

With six total selections—missing their second and fourth-round picks due to the Laremy Tunsil trade—Washington’s front office executed a strategic plan that maximized value and addressed critical roster needs on both sides of the ball.

The Draft Capital Situation

Before diving into the picks, here’s what Washington was working with:

Available Picks:

• Round 1, Pick 7
• Round 3, Pick 71
• Round 5, Pick 147
• Round 6, Pick 187 (acquired from San Francisco 49ers in Brian Robinson Jr. trade)
• Round 6, Pick 209
• Round 7, Pick 223

Missing Picks:

• No second-round pick (traded for Laremy Tunsil)
• No fourth-round pick (traded for Laremy Tunsil)
• No compensatory picks awarded

Despite having fewer picks than most teams, Washington made every selection count.

The 2026 Draft Class: Complete Player-by-Player Breakdown

Round 1, Pick 7: Sonny Styles – Linebacker, Ohio State

Expert Grade: A

The Commanders opened their draft with a franchise-altering selection in Sonny Styles, a 6-foot-5, 244-pound linebacker who was the centerpiece of the best defense in college football last season.

The Sonny Styles Profile:

College Accolades:

• First-Team All-American (2025)
• All-Big Ten selection (2025)
• National Champion with Ohio State (2024)
• Ohio State “Block O” award winner (leadership, toughness, character)

2025 Senior Season Performance:

• Pro Football Focus grades of 87+ in run game, tackling, and coverage
• FBS-best 92.2 tackling grade from PFF
• Elite performance across all linebacker responsibilities
• Key piece of nation’s top-ranked defense

2024 Championship Season:

• 100 tackles
• 6 sacks
• 1 forced fumble
• Helped lead Ohio State to national championship

NFL Combine Performance:

• 43.5-inch vertical jump
• Highest vertical of any player over 240 pounds since 1999
• Elite athleticism for his size and position

NFL.com Scouting Report (Lance Zierlein): “The former Buckeye diffuses block attempts with crisp hand strikes and leverages run fits with force/anchor strength. He has plenty of short-area quickness and pursuit speed to get where he needs to go.”

Why This Pick Earned an A:

• Rare combination of size (6-5, 244) and athleticism (43.5″ vertical)
• Proven production at the highest level of college football
• Elite tackling ability (92.2 PFF grade – best in FBS)
• Versatility to play multiple linebacker positions
• Leadership qualities and character (Block O award)
• Immediate impact potential as a Day 1 starter
• Fills Washington’s biggest defensive need

Historical Context: The last time Washington held the No. 7 pick was 1999, when they selected Hall of Famer Champ Bailey. Styles has the talent, character, and work ethic to live up to that legacy.

Round 3, Pick 71: Antonio Williams – Wide Receiver, Clemson

Expert Grade: B+

With their first pick after Round 1, Washington addressed their receiving corps by selecting Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams. The B+ grade indicates solid value for a third-round selection.

Why This Pick Works:

• Addresses need for playmaking at wide receiver
• Clemson pedigree with ACC competition experience
• Good value for a third-round selection
• Can contribute immediately in the rotation
• Adds depth to receiving room

Williams gives Washington another weapon in the passing game and provides competition for roster spots at a position that needed an infusion of talent.

Round 5, Pick 147: Joshua Josephs – EDGE, Tennessee

Expert Grade: A

In the fifth round, Washington found exceptional value with Tennessee edge rusher Joshua Josephs, earning an A grade from analysts. This pick demonstrates the Commanders’ commitment to improving their pass rush.

The Josephs Selection:

• Outstanding value for a fifth-round pick
• Addresses critical pass rush needs
• SEC competition experience at Tennessee
• Can contribute on special teams immediately
• Potential starter by Year 2

Getting an A-graded edge rusher in the fifth round represents one of the steals of the 2026 draft. Josephs has the potential to develop into a significant contributor on Washington’s defensive line.

Round 6, Pick 187: Kaytron Allen – Running Back

Expert Grade: A

Washington’s first sixth-round selection brought in running back Kaytron Allen, who earned an impressive A grade. This pick demonstrates exceptional value in the late rounds.

Why Allen Makes Sense:

• Exceptional value for a sixth-round pick
• Addresses running back depth
• Can contribute immediately in the rotation
• Special teams value as a rookie
• Potential three-down back capability

Getting an A-graded running back in the sixth round is rare and suggests Washington identified a player other teams undervalued.

Round 6, Pick 209: Matt Gulbin

Expert Grade: B

The Commanders used their second sixth-round pick (acquired in the Brian Robinson Jr. trade to San Francisco) on Matt Gulbin. A B grade in the sixth round is solid value.

The Robinson Trade Payoff: Trading Robinson to San Francisco for this pick allows Washington to add depth and potentially find a developmental prospect who can contribute in future seasons.

Round 7, Pick 223: Athan Kaliakmanis – Quarterback

Expert Grade: C+

Washington closed out their draft by selecting quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, the only pick that received a below-average grade (C+). This represents a developmental investment at the most important position.

Understanding the C+ Grade:

• Seventh-round quarterbacks are typically long-term projects
• Low risk, high reward proposition
• If he develops into even a quality backup, the pick exceeds value
• Shows organizational commitment to quarterback depth

Overall Draft Grade: A-

What the Experts Are Saying:

CBS Sports’ Carter Bahns and other prominent draft analysts awarded Washington an A- grade, placing them among the top-performing teams in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Why Washington Earned an A-

Exceptional Value: Two picks graded A (Styles, Josephs, Allen) demonstrates outstanding talent evaluation.

Need-Based Drafting: Every selection addresses a specific roster weakness from the 5-12 season.

Balanced Approach: Addressed both offense (Williams, Allen) and defense (Styles, Josephs).

Scheme Fit: All players fit Washington’s offensive and defensive systems.

Smart Risk Management: Despite missing two picks, Washington maximized remaining selections.

How This Class Addresses 2025 Weaknesses

The 5-12 record exposed several critical areas needing improvement:

Defensive Playmaking (ADDRESSED ✓)

Sonny Styles brings elite tackling ability (92.2 PFF grade) and versatility that Washington’s defense desperately lacked. His combination of size, speed, and instincts should immediately upgrade the linebacker position.

Joshua Josephs adds much-needed pass rush capability from the edge position, addressing one of Washington’s biggest weaknesses in 2025.

Offensive Weapons (ADDRESSED ✓)

Antonio Williams provides a new receiving option and adds competition to the wide receiver room.

Kaytron Allen gives the offense a fresh running back option and depth at a position that saw injuries in 2025.

Depth Issues (ADDRESSED ✓)

Six picks allow the Commanders to build roster depth across multiple position groups, particularly important given the injuries that plagued the 2025 season.

Special Teams (ADDRESSED ✓)

Day 3 picks (Allen, Gulbin, Kaliakmanis) typically contribute heavily on special teams, an area where Washington ranked near the bottom of the league in 2025.

The Sonny Styles Impact: Why This Pick Changes Everything

The selection of Sonny Styles at No. 7 overall represents more than just adding a talented linebacker—it signals a philosophical shift for the Commanders’ defense.

What Styles Brings:

Elite Tackling: His 92.2 PFF tackling grade was the best in the FBS. In an era where missed tackles plague NFL defenses, Styles is a sure tackler who wraps up and finishes plays.

Rare Size/Speed Combination: At 6-5, 244 pounds with a 43.5-inch vertical (highest for a 240+ pound player since 1999), Styles has the physical tools to dominate at the NFL level.

Versatility: Can play multiple linebacker positions and even drop into coverage like a safety. This versatility allows defensive coordinators to disguise coverages and create matchup problems.

Leadership: The “Block O” award isn’t given lightly at Ohio State. It recognizes players who embody toughness, leadership, and character—exactly what a 5-12 team needs.

Winning Pedigree: Styles was a key contributor to Ohio State’s 2024 national championship team. He knows what it takes to win at the highest level.

Immediate Impact: Unlike some first-round picks who need development, Styles should start from Week 1 and make an immediate impact on Washington’s defense.

Position-by-Position Impact

Defense

Linebacker (Sonny Styles): Immediate starter, potential defensive signal-caller
Edge Rush (Joshua Josephs): Rotational player Year 1, potential starter Year 2
Overall Defensive Impact: Significant upgrade in tackling, pass rush, and leadership

Offense

Wide Receiver (Antonio Williams): Rotational receiver, special teams contributor
Running Back (Kaytron Allen): Backup/rotational role, 8-12 touches per game potential
Overall Offensive Impact: Added depth and competition at skill positions

Special Teams

Multiple Contributors: Williams, Allen, Gulbin, Kaliakmanis all expected to contribute on special teams coverage and return units

Immediate Impact vs. Development Timeline

Expected 2026 Contributors:

Sonny Styles – Day 1 starter at linebacker, defensive signal-caller candidate, Pro Bowl potential

Antonio Williams – Rotational wide receiver, special teams contributor, 20-30 snaps per game

Joshua Josephs – Rotational edge rusher, special teams, 15-20 defensive snaps per game

Kaytron Allen – Backup running back, 8-12 touches per game, special teams

Long-Term Development:

Matt Gulbin – Typical late-round developmental player who could emerge in year two

Athan Kaliakmanis – Multi-year project who will spend 2026 learning the system, practice squad candidate

Comparing to Recent Commanders Draft Classes

The A- grade represents one of Washington’s highest-rated draft classes in recent memory. The combination of:

• Hitting on the first-round pick with a potential franchise linebacker
• Finding exceptional value in the fifth round (Josephs – A grade)
• Addressing multiple needs despite limited picks
• Adding both immediate impact and developmental players

This is exactly what struggling franchises need to accelerate their rebuild and establish a winning culture.

The Laremy Tunsil Trade Context

While Washington gave up their second and fourth-round picks to acquire left tackle Laremy Tunsil in March 2025, his subsequent multi-year extension and elite performance validates that decision. Tunsil posted career-high numbers as a run blocker while maintaining his status as one of the NFL’s premier pass protectors.

The Trade-Off:

• Lost: Two mid-round picks (2nd and 4th)
• Gained: Elite left tackle locked up long-term
• Result: Worth it—protecting the quarterback is paramount, allowing Washington to focus remaining picks on other needs

What This Means for 2026 Season Expectations

With this draft class, the Commanders have:

 Added immediate defensive impact (Styles, Josephs)
Improved offensive weapons (Williams, Allen)
Built roster depth across multiple positions
Addressed critical weaknesses from 2025
Created competition at key positions
Added leadership and winning culture (Styles)
Improved special teams depth

Realistic Expectations: While one draft class won’t transform a 5-12 team into a playoff contender overnight, the quality of this haul—particularly the Sonny Styles selection—suggests Washington is building the right way. A realistic 2026 target would be 7-9 wins with clear improvement in:

• Defensive tackling and playmaking
• Pass rush effectiveness
• Offensive balance and depth
• Special teams performance

Expert Reactions and Analysis

CBS Sports: “Washington maximized their limited draft capital with one of the best hauls in the 2026 class. Sonny Styles at No. 7 is a home run selection that could define this franchise for the next decade.”

ESPN: “The Commanders addressed multiple needs with smart, value-driven selections throughout the draft.”

NFL.com: “Styles brings the kind of athleticism and tackling ability that can transform a defense. The A- grade is well-deserved.”

Draft Analysts: Multiple experts praised Washington’s ability to find A-graded value in the fifth and sixth rounds, typically the hardest rounds to hit on.

The Bottom Line

The Washington Commanders’ 2026 NFL Draft class earned an A- grade for excellent reason. From the franchise-altering selection of Sonny Styles at No. 7 overall—a 6-5, 244-pound linebacker with a 43.5-inch vertical and elite tackling ability—to finding exceptional value with Joshua Josephs (edge rusher) and Kaytron Allen (running back) in the later rounds, this draft represents exactly what the franchise needed.

Key Takeaways:

✓ Six total picks with three receiving A grades (Styles, Josephs, Allen)
✓ Sonny Styles provides immediate defensive impact and leadership
✓ Exceptional value found in rounds 5 and 6
✓ Overall A- grade ranks among league’s best draft classes
✓ Clear strategy addressing specific 2025 weaknesses
✓ Smart risk management despite missing two picks
✓ Added winning culture and character (Styles’ Block O award)
✓ Balanced approach addressing both offense and defense

If these rookies develop as expected—particularly Sonny Styles, who has franchise linebacker and potential Pro Bowl talent—the 2026 draft could be remembered as the turning point for the Commanders franchise. The foundation is being laid for sustainable success, not just a quick fix.

The 2026 season will reveal whether this highly-graded draft class can translate to wins on the field, but on paper, the Washington Commanders executed one of the best drafts in the NFL.

What’s Next:

May: OTAs begin where rookies get their first taste of NFL competition
July: Training camp determines which players earn immediate playing time
September: Sonny Styles expected to start Week 1 at linebacker
All Season: Watch for Joshua Josephs and Kaytron Allen to earn increased roles as the season progresses

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