While Trent Williams drew praise, former Washington quarterback Patrick Ramsey was tabbed as the franchise's worst selection since 2000
The Washington Commanders are days away from the 2026 NFL Draft, but before the front office has a chance to make history with a possible impact selection, CBS Sports reviewed the best and worst selections by team since 2000.
The best pick? That was an easy choice: left tackle Trent Williams, who went fourth overall in the 2010 NFL Draft.
Though he was suspended twice for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy during his time in Washington, Williams proved himself among the best offensive linemen in the league even once he first arrived only to leave as the undisputed best left tackle in the NFL. While he was named a Pro Bowl selection multiple seasons along with being named a second team All Pro selection in 2015.
What appeared to be a staple in Washington's offensive line for years to come would then come to a screeching halt starting in 2019 due to medical issues with Williams stating he received inadequate medical treatment stemming from a cancerous growth on his scalp.
Williams and his agent would then receive permission to seek a trade in 2020 before a trade with the San Francisco 49ers materialized for a mere fifth round pick in the 2020 draft and a third round pick in the 2021 draft - which materialized into San Diego State center Keith Ismael and Minnesota cornerback Benjamin St-Juste.
It's a humbling return for a player now in discussion to end up considered one of the best left tackles in NFL history. While the Commanders have since locked down the position with Laremy Tunsil signing his contract extension as expected, the article dropped one day prior to Williams inking a new two year, $50 million contract through 2027.
As for the worst, well, there are a lot more candidates to choose from. The trio of second round picks from the 2008 draft - WR Devin Thomas, TE Fred Davis, WR Malcolm Kelly - will always stick out given the trio struggled to live up to expectations with Davis the most impactful by a wide margin. Washington also spent a first round pick on wide receiver Josh Doctson in 2016 then on linebacker Jamin Davis in 2021.
Yet the crown went to Patrick Ramsey, the team's first round pick in the 2002 draft, who stepped in to replace Tony Banks and proved to be the poster boy for the Steve Spurrier era.
Washington finished 9-14 with Ramsey as the starter through his first three seasons before starting in one game and appearing in four in 2005, completing just 55.7% of his passes while nearly throwing for as many touchdowns (34) as interceptions (29).
Yet with Joe Gibbs back with the organization in his second stint, Washington would turn to veteran Mark Brunell with Ramsey reportedly requesting a trade, which materialized in March 2006.
Ramsey went on to play with the Jets, Broncos, Titans, Lions, Saints, Jaguars, Dolphins then Vikings before his NFL career came to a close in 2011.