With a chance for the Washington Commanders to address several questions with six picks, we dive into the three biggest questions ahead of summer
The 2026 NFL Draft is officially in the books for the Washington Commanders as linebacker Sonny Styles headlines the six-man class with additions to at wide receiver, edge and the interior offensive line. Yet questions remain for general manager Adam Peters and the front office ahead of the 2026 season as we dive into the three most pivotal that still need to be addressed.
Is the CB room a weakness?
Washington entered the draft with some speculation about whether a cornerback would become the first pick as former LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane was viewed as realistic ahead of his expected top ten selection. Yet that didn't materialize after the Kansas City Chiefs opted to trade up three spots to take the DMV native. The only question mark? Washington elected against drafting either a cornerback or safety across the six picks, instead signing a pair of defensive backs including a converted receiver as undrafted free agents.
Assistant general manager Lance Newmark noted on day three that the Commanders "feel good about those rooms," yet the front office did its homework on multiple prospects like Keionte Scott and Daylen Everette in addition to Delane.
Head coach Dan Quinn previously noted that Amik Robertson, the first free agent signing of the offseason, will likely start opposite of Mike Sainristil to start out with veteran Ahkello Witherspoon likely rounding out depth. Of course, Trey Amos is expected to be a big part of the 2026 solution at cornerback as he recovers from a broken fibula that limited him to ten games as a rookie.
Nick Cross serves as a key upgrade to the safety room where he likely takes over as strong safety, yet he serves as the lone addition this offseason with both Will Harris and Quan Martin looking to thrive in new coordinator Daronte Jones' scheme.
Yet for a defense that proved to be one of the worst against the pass in 2025, did Washington do enough? It appears the plan has materialized into improving the front seven to alleviate pressure on the secondary, but it's a bold call with the defensive backs arguably one of the three biggest questions this offseason.
Did Washington do enough at WR?
This hinges on the status of wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who remains with the San Francisco 49ers as they hope for a trade that is highly unlikely to materialize. Yet on day two, Washington also made a move to upgrade the top of the room with former Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams in the fold.
The shifty, 5-foot-11.5 wideout adds consistency and explosion as a pure separator where he can dazzle as both a slot and Z receiver, as general manager Adam Peters noted. It wasn't the only addition to the room this offseason with Treylon Burks and Dyami Brown back along with Van Jefferson in DC on a one year deal.
Yet the question remains, does Washington have enough weapons to provide the explosive plays that were lacking in 2025? New coordinator David Blough previously noted that he's looking for McLaurin to draw ten targets per game as he remains a focal point of the offense that is expected to be balanced against the run.
The signing of tight end Chig Okonkwo alleviates some of the pressure on the wide receiver room as the former Titan adds athleticism and big play ability to the passing attack at the position.
How does RB room shake out?
One could make a strong case for running back Kaytron Allen as the best non-first round pick of the draft for Washington given the value he adds despite being the first of two sixth round picks.
After posting over 2,400 rushing yards over his final two seasons, averaging over six yards per carry in 2025 and totaling 43 touchdowns during his four year career at Penn State, the Virginia native showcased the blend of physicality and big play ability that he could add to the offense.
Jeremiyah Love was the dream for Washington, yet Allen serves as the perfect final addition to the room. Allen serves as the between the tackles back capable of thriving in short yardage situations, fitting that his NFL.com player comp was Tyler Allgeier. Yet Allen arrives as part of a committee approach in 2026.
All eyes will be on whether Jacory Croskey-Merritt can step into a possible lead back role with Rachaad White adding a receiving threat out of the backfield and teaming with Allen to provide pass blocking to the position. Jerome Ford was the second free agent signing while Washington also re-signed Jeremy McNichols to round out the room.
How Allen settles in ahead of his rookie season will be worth watching as the snap distribution could materialize into an ongoing discussion through 2026.