ASHBURN, Va. -- The 2026 NFL draft started in Pittsburgh on Thursday.
The Washington Commanders selected Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles seventh overall in the first round.
A full list of Washington's selections is below and will be updated with pick-by-pick analysis through the weekend.
Analysis of every pick | Updated depth chart
Round 1, No. 7: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
My take: The Commanders get a player who can impact the middle of their defense -- and then some. Washington needed to add another strong foundational piece to its defense, which ranked bottom five in opposing quarterbacks QBR; yards per play; yards allowed; passing yards allowed; rushing. And they were 27th in scoring. In other words: the Commanders were bad and needed a deep infusion of talent. They handed out $120 million in guaranteed money for defensive players in free agency, but they needed more talent. 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.
Will he start as a rookie: Yes. You don't take a linebacker this high and not start him. However, Washington made quarterback Jayden Daniels earn his starting job -- partly to show any future pick that if they made him do it, everyone else has to as well. Washington signed Leo Chenal in free agency, but he played almost exclusively outside in four years with Kansas City. The Commanders do have Jordan Magee, who would have played in the middle if they didn't take Styles. But he can also play outside and ensures quality depth.
What we're hearing about Sonny Styles: "You see a lot of guys get by with athletic ability. He doesn't operate like that. He operates with the mindset of a kid obsessed with the game of football, who loves football and it helps further elevate his game. You have these natural abilities, but also matching it with the mental aspect of his game," OSU LBs coach James Laurinaitis said.
Round 3, No. 71: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
My take: Washington needed help at receiver, desiring a consistent playmaker alongside Terry McLaurin. Williams offers potential and played both inside and outside Clemson -- a role he could duplicate in the NFL. Williams is good after the catch and and the Commanders like that he showed he could win on the outside with quick releases. Williams also showed toughness by playing through various injuries at Clemson; he played through a hamstring injury this season. His blocking will help as well.
Is this pick for depth or does it fill a hole? Both. Washington added back-end depth at the position this offseason, re-signing Treylon Burks and adding Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson. But the Commanders don't have anyone who can enter the season as a strong No. 2. It's uncertain if Williams can fill that role, but he does give the Commanders someone who should play a lot early thanks to what the team considers mature route-running. He has more potential to ascend to a more consistent contributor than others currently on the roster.
Round 5, No. 147: Joshua Josephs, DE, Tennessee
My take: Washington needed to add more young edge-rush help -- even if it's just to develop for the future. Of the Commanders' top five edges, four are unsigned for 2027.
Josephs has 34.25-inch arms, giving him a lot of length. Washington will not need him to play early, provided good health for others. So Josephs' main goal this season should be to continue growing as a player -- and add needed strength. He has good closing speed, having run the 40-yard dash in 4.73 seconds, a quality time for a defensive end. Josephs finished his college career with 9.5 sacks and 22 tackles for loss.
Round 6, No. 187: Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State
My take: The Commanders get more depth at running back, though it will be challenging for Allen to make the roster. Washington signed veterans Rachaad White and Jerome Ford in the offseason, to pair with Jacory Croskey-Merritt and the re-signed Jeremy McNichols.
Allen wasn't an explosive runner at Penn State, though he showed he could be a one-cut runner -- a valued trait in new coordinator David Blough's outside zone run game. Allen wasn't considered a big threat in the pass game. But if he can develop into a quality power back who hangs onto the ball, he can help.
Remaining picks:
Round 6: No. 209
Round 7: No. 223