The Washington Commanders started their 2026 draft by filling a position of need and taking one of their favorite players, Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles.
After turning to free agency to bolster nearly every position of need on his roster, general manager Adam Peters added Styles, a versatile, freakishly athletic and very smart player who can help lead a much-needed defensive turnaround. He followed that up by taking Clemson receiver Antonio Williams in the third round, with the No. 71 pick.
What’s next? The Commanders could use another top-tier pass rusher for this year and beyond. They need safety help and another reliable cornerback. They probably need another offensive playmaker, be it a second high-level receiver and/or a dynamic running back. They need a starting center and depth across both lines, and they have to at least consider adding tight end help. That means anything is still fair game in this year’s draft.
Check back here throughout the draft for grades and analysis of each of the Commanders’ picks.
Round 1No. 7: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio StateHow he fits
Dan Quinn is a defensive coach at heart, and his defense was in dire need of a second-level playmaker. There’s no better off-ball linebacker than Sonny Styles, who can play in any subpackage and wreak havoc on an offense. He’s also a high-character leader, and will make for a great pairing with Leo Chenal. Styles (6-foot-5, 244 pounds) began his career as a safety, then shifted to linebacker where he started 42 games over three seasons, including all 16 in the Buckeyes’ 2024 national championship season. A first-team All-American last year, Styles put up 244 tackles — including 22.5 for loss — nine sacks and nine passes defensed. — Scott Dochterman
Dane Brugler’s analysis
Styles is an outstanding size-speed athlete who is comfortable in space, reacts well to what he sees and plays with the physicality to mark up the stat sheet. With elite subpackage value, he has the talent to become an impact linebacker early in his NFL career.
Nicki Jhabvala’s analysis
Washington Commanders select LB Sonny Styles with No. 7 pick in 2026 NFL Draft
Grade: ARound 2
No picks
Round 3No. 71: Antonio Williams, WR, ClemsonHow he fits
The Commanders needed a wide receiver in the worst way, and Williams was great value at this stage. He should complement Terry McLaurin very nicely this year. Williams (5-fot-11 1/2, 187 pounds) was a first-team All-ACC performer in 2024 and chose to come back in 2025. His production slipped, mirroring his team’s performance. But his talent is obvious and boosts Washington’s passing game. — Scott Dochterman
Dane Brugler’s analysis
Williams is a competitive, versatile athlete — and there is more to his game than meets the eye. He isn’t a “slot-only” receiver, but he projects best inside and has some Khalil Shakir to his game. He also has punt return experience, and had a combined four non-receiving touchdowns over the past two seasons (two passing and two rushing).
Nicki Jhabvala’s analysis
The Commanders finally gave Jayden Daniels some help. Williams, ranked by Dane Brugler as the 10th-best receiver in this draft class, is a fluid and versatile pass catcher. He’s not just a slot receiver, despite lining up inside for 78 percent of his career snaps. The question, though, is how Washington views him. The Commanders have a bevy of slot receivers, with third-year receiver Luke McCaffrey and second-year wideout Jaylin Lane. Washington added to its receiving corps by re-signing Dyami Brown and adding Van Jefferson, but they needed, and may need, to continue to add to the room to give Daniels more options.
Grade: B+Round 4
No picks
Round 5
No. 147
Round 6
No. 187
No. 209 (via 49ers)
Round 7
No. 223