Washington Commanders Draft: Winners & Losers

0:00On April 26th, Washington commanders grabbed six new players in the 2026 NFL draft, splitting four in offense and two on defense. General manager Adam Peters loaded up defense in free agency, but still snagged linebacker sunny styles with the seventh overall pick. Now every draft shakes things up, creating clear winners who lock down spots and losers facing tougher battles or roster cuts. On offense, quarterback Ethan Kaleik-Monis emerges as a big winner after a top 30 visit and getting drafted despite no urgent need at the position. New coordinator David Blue eyes him as a long-term backup to Jayden Daniels. Center Nick Allegretti keeps his starting gig safe too, since the drafted rookie center won't start right away. Wide receiver Antonio Williams also wins with a straight path to starting in the slot or outside. Meanwhile, some backs are feeling the heat. Running back Jerome Ford looks like a loser in a crowded room, with a team drafting K-Tron Allen in the sixth round and likely keeping just three.

1:01Rushers, practice squad quarterback Sam Hartman faces stiff competition from Kaleik-Monis for the third string role, especially after underwhelming preseason. Play, over on defense, drafting styles shuts the door for veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner's potential return in a smaller role. Styles brings athletic upside to the middle, even if Wagner's smarts and leadership get missed. Kicker Jake Moody scores a quiet win too, with no rookie challengers drafted yet, giving the 26-year-old third-rounder a strong edge heading into camp. As training camp ramps up, these moves set the stage for fierce position battles and could reshape the depth chart before week one. Keep an eye on how the rookies push those vets.