If you want to know what the rest of the NFL thinks of the Washington Commanders right now, it’s pretty easy to sum up — not much at all.
The Commanders got a damning, 1-word evaluation of where they stood after the 2026 NFL draft from Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, who labeled the franchise as “Rebuilding” after taking a look at their current roster, along with their 6 draft picks.
It’s a tough place to be in for the Commanders following a 5-12 season in 2025 that came after they entered the year with Super Bowl expectations following a trip to the NFC Championship Game in 2024.
“Injuries were a big part of the problem — specifically, those suffered by star quarterback Jayden Daniels — but having the league’s worst defense certainly didn’t help,” Knox wrote. “Fortunately, the Commanders had the sort of draft that should help get them back on track. Washington only made six selections, but it made them count. Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles is a special prospect who should instantly become a defensive centerpiece and game-changer. He’ll be a Week 1 starter, and Tennessee edge-defender Joshua Josephs may also see the field quickly.”
Commanders Went Defense With No. 7 Overall Pick
The Commanders went with their most pressing need — defense — in the 1st round with Styles, but for some reason drafted a player at a position where they already had 2 starters in place at off-ball linebacker.
Now, the Commanders must find a way to get Styles, free-agent signee Leo Chenal, and NFL All-Pro Frankie Luvu all on the field together.
It’s 1 of the many reasons why people have a hard time believing the Commanders will be much better than they were in 2025 when the new season rolls around.
“(The Commanders) handed out $120 million in guaranteed money for defensive players in free agency, but they needed more talent,” ESPN’s John Keim wrote. “Styles delivers in that regard. As one AFC defensive coach said: You can plug Styles into the middle for the next 10 years. General manager Adam Peters saw the difference Fred Warner made to the 49ers’ defense in the middle; they’re hoping for the same from Styles.”
Commanders Should Have Taken Another OSU Star
The player the Commanders missed on who they will likely come to regret the most might likely be one of Styles’ Ohio State teammates in safety Caleb Downs — a player they will have to face twice every year after the Dallas Cowboys traded up to draft him at No. 11 overall.
The Cowboys received an “A” grade for their draft class.
“Downs fell out of the top 10 despite ranking sixth in my rankings, and Dallas took the opportunity to trade up one spot to get him,” ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. wrote. “Downs’ pre-snap instincts are elite, which allow him to play top-down and make plays on the ball in coverage (six career INTs). But he can sniff out run plays and wrap up as a tackler in open space, too. He’s just a tremendous football player, and he’s going to change everything in that secondary. Safety wasn’t a top-three need, but he will join free agent addition Jalen Thompson to turn a safety room with 2025 questions into one with 2026 promise. It’s tough to get a steal at No. 11, but Dallas might have done it.”
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