The Washington Commanders are looking for any type of solution at wide receiver in 2026 after putting a product on the field in 2025 that underperformed and underwhelmed at every opportunity.
Part of that solution might come in a player with a unique connection to quarterback Jayden Daniels in undrafted free agent wide receiver Chris Hilton Jr., who was a teammate of Daniels at LSU.
The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner singled out Hilton, 6-foot and 188 pounds, as the “1 undrafted free agent to watch” for the Commanders in 2026.
“Hilton never had a consistent on-field run in college, as he battled several injuries (meniscus in both knees; ankle; shoulder), but he’s a legit speed presence (4.41 with a 1.57 split at the combine),” Baumgardner wrote. “He runs with tremendous balance and body control — he’s just an extremely raw player.”
Hilton’s Stats Underwhelmed at LSU
Hilton underwhelmed at LSU in a major way — underlined by his 10 receptions for 122 yards in his 6th and final season in 2025.
That paved the way for Hilton to do something no player in college football history had ever done by playing in 4 postseason All-Star games: the Hula Bowl, American Bowl, East-West Shrine Bowl, and Senior Bowl.
NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein praised Hilton as a “vertical threat” but correctly predicted he would go undrafted and sign as a priority free agent, which was mostly thanks to running the 40-yard dash in 4.41 seconds.
“Hilton has build-up speed to take the top off defenses, averaging 19 yards per catch during his career,” Zierlein wrote. “He had a troubling lack of production, though, making just 41 catches in five seasons. There are basic route corrections he can make to better open underneath throws. He has adequate ball skills downfield but comes up empty when contested. When you combine his sparse production with his injury history, it doesn’t inspire confidence, but speed sells, giving Hilton a chance to outplay his draft slotting.”
Teammates With Daniels for 2 Seasons at LSU
Daniels and Hilton were teammates for 2 seasons at LSU in 2022 and 2023 — Daniels played his 1st 3 seasons at Arizona State. In 2023, Hilton got to watch as Daniels put together 1 of the greatest seasons in college football history on the way to winning the Heisman Trophy.
From Riggo’s Rag’s Ryan McCafferty: “(Hilton’s) skill set as a receiver is limited, but Hilton could be a potential home-run hitter if his profile translates well to the pros. The Commanders’ offense last season lacked explosive plays, and the Louisiana native can use his speed to stretch the field while creating separation from defenders. Injuries have been a concern for Hilton throughout his college years, holding him back from realizing his potential. But the measurables are there, at least from a speed perspective. He might be a one-trick pony, but he’s an elite talent at that one trick.”
The Commanders already have a potential WR2 option behind All-Pro Terry McLaurin in Clemson’s Antonio Williams, their 2026 3rd round pick (No. 71 overall). ESPN’s Ben Solak called Williams a “long shot” to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
“The front office handpicked Williams, one of my favorite players in this class,” Solak wrote. “Williams has some Amon-Ra St. Brown to his game since he’s as tough as nails, willing to win downfield throws through contact and slippery in his routes.”
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