Let's dive into the world of the 2026 NFL Draft and specifically, the Washington Commanders' picks. Personally, I find it fascinating how each team's strategy unfolds, especially when it comes to rebuilding their defense.
The Commanders, after a year of trading away some of their future picks, found themselves with the seventh overall selection. And boy, did they make an interesting choice!
Drafting Defense
Their first pick, Sonny Styles, is a linebacker with an impressive combine performance. Running a 4.46 with a 43.5" vertical leap at 6'5, 244 lbs, he's a force to be reckoned with. Styles' ability to read the play and get to the ball quickly, coupled with his physicality, makes him a valuable addition to any defense.
However, the Commanders already have an intriguing group of linebackers, including Leo Chenal, a hybrid linebacker/edge rusher, and Frankie Luvu, who some consider overrated. The question arises: how will these players fit together?
Building a Linebacking Corps
Styles is expected to be a three-down player, but the Commanders' strategy with Chenal and Luvu is less clear. Chenal's role in Kansas City was primarily as an attacker, not a cover man, which could limit his effectiveness in certain situations. Luvu, on the other hand, is more of a situational edge rusher.
One possible scenario is that Chenal starts on early downs, with Luvu coming in on obvious passing situations. If this is the case, and Styles remains on the field throughout, the Commanders could have a formidable trio.
Strengthening the Secondary
Moving down the draft, the Commanders selected Antonio Williams, a slot receiver with good hands and elusiveness. While his career yards per catch average might not be impressive, he had a solid season in 2024 with 75 catches for 904 yards and 11 touchdowns.
In the later rounds, the Commanders focused on defense, drafting Joshua Josephs, an edge rusher with a knack for forcing fumbles, and Kaytron Allen, a powerful running back with good vision.
Grading the Draft
Overall, the Commanders' draft grade is a solid B. While they may have preferred an edge rusher or interior defensive lineman with their first pick, the reality of the draft is that top-tier players don't always align with team needs.
The national view seems to agree, with the Commanders ranking 13th in mock draft roundups.
Final Thoughts
What makes this draft particularly intriguing is the potential for the Commanders' defense to improve significantly. With the right coaching and strategy, this group of players could become a force to be reckoned with.
In my opinion, the Commanders have made some smart moves, and I'm excited to see how these players develop and contribute to the team's success.
