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Every team is excited about their incoming class of rookies, but how will those new players affect each team in 2026?
Let's look at the Washington Commanders, breaking down the most likely instant-impact rookies from their class while also providing some insight into why certain early picks may not see the field.
Washington Commanders 2026 Draft Class: Which Rookies Will Make an Impact?
The Commanders were likely thrilled when Sonny Styles (first round) was still on the board for them, as he was widely expected to be gone within the first five selections. Styles is a perfect fit for Daronte Jones’ defense, which is expected to closely resemble Brian Flores’ scheme in Minnesota. Expect Jones to take advantage of Styles' athleticism and use him on blitzes at a high rate. Styles only blitzed on 18% of snaps against the pass in 2025 at Ohio State, but generated a strong 20% pressure rate on those opportunities. He will also be an immediate asset against the run, where he has elite range but also exceptional wrap-up tackling skills. His 2% missed tackle rate was the lowest among all linebackers in this draft class.
Antonio Williams (third round) is an undersized possession slot receiver who will compete for the starting job as Deebo Samuel’s replacement. Williams is a reliable pass catcher, but not nearly as dangerous after the catch as Samuel. Based on route-adjusted data, Williams generated 6.6% fewer yards after catch than expected during his career at Clemson. That is a particularly concerning number considering he spent the last three years in Garrett Riley’s air-raid-based passing attack, which creates plenty of opportunities for its receivers to get the ball in space. Williams should see some action as a rookie, but he’s not a dynamic weapon and likely won’t noticeably transform the offense.
Joshua Josephs (fifth round) has the talent to develop into a steal for the Commanders if he stays focused and motivated. Early in the 2025 season, Tennessee's linebacker coach said, “We really need for Josh to come through and be a team player, not to be selfish.” That pretty much sums up how a player with Josephs’ length and athletic traits could still be on the board in the fifth round. Josephs did flash some production in 2025, however, generating a solid 16.8% pressure rate, and could see some snaps as a speed rusher on passing downs as a rookie.
Kaytron Allen (sixth round) is limited by his lack of explosive athleticism, but he has the potential to be a valuable early-down back who can consistently take what the offensive line provides. He’ll never play on passing downs and doesn’t have the acceleration to bounce runs to the outside for big plays, but his physical style will be useful in a limited role.
Matt Gulbin (sixth round) lacks ideal length and struggled against some of the tougher competition he faced, but his starting experience at guard and center bodes well for him making the roster as a multi-position backup in Washington.
Athan Kaliakmanis (seventh round) is a pocket passer with limited mobility and poor decision-making skills under pressure. When pressured, Kaliakmanis took a sack on 28% of his dropbacks last season, the fourth-highest rate among power-conference quarterbacks, an inexcusable performance for a fifth-year senior who started 42 games in college.
The Commanders hit a home run with the selection of Styles, but they likely did not add any other meaningful contributors from this class. Williams and Allen will have roles, but their limited upside makes it difficult to get excited about those additions. While Josephs has the potential to be a future starter, the floor is also extremely low.
This analysis continues in the 2026 Football Preview
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