Linebacker Sonny Styles was one of three Washington Commander draft picks to be named among the best fits from the 2026 NFL Draft
The Washington Commanders have drawn favorable draft grades in the days since the 2026 NFL Draft wrapped up with multiple outlets praising the front office for the value found in the draft, despite the front office having just six selections to work with. Yet ESPN highlighted three draft picks among the best picks when factoring in value, scheme fit, whether they pick addressed a need and whether assets were given up to make the pick.
To no surprise, linebacker Sonny Styles was the Commanders top selection after ESPN ranked him 12th behind Chicago Bears safety Dillon Thieneman and New York Giants linebacker Arvell Reese.
"Styles is a future star at middle linebacker and one of my favorite picks now that we know he'll be working in Dan Quinn's defense," ESPN wrote, adding he has a chance to become the Defensive Rookie of the Year under head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Daronte Jones. ESPN also noted that it wouldn't be a surprise if Styles proves to be the green dot linebacker as many have tabbed him capable of becoming, though whether that materializes as a rookie will be worth tracking through the rest of offseason workouts. ESPN pointed back to San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner as the player comp for Styles, noting that ceiling could make the Commanders defense, "one of the league's best in a hurry."
Wide receiver Antonio Williams wasn't far behind after slotting in at 62nd, one spot ahead of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Drew Allar.
Eager to team up with veteran Terry McLaurin, Williams arrives in DC as an expected big piece of the offense given the wide receiver room was a top priority this offseason with general manager Adam Peters expected to use one of the two top-100 picks on the position.
"Williams is a silky-smooth route runner who can line up on the outside or in the slot. The Commanders might have found a future WR1 in Round 3," ESPN wrote, one day after CBS Sports highlighted the former Clemson wide receiver as their favorite of Washington's draft picks.
The final selection in ESPN's rankings? Former Penn State running back Kaytron Allen, or as fans have already highlighted, Fat Man, who ranked 96th in ESPN's rankings.
The Virginia native was also coached by former Washington fullback Mike Sellers during his senior season at IMG Academy before materializing into Penn State's all-time leading rusher thanks to consecutive 1,000 yard seasons including over 1,300 yards as a senior. Allen heads to Washington as a possible intriguing piece to the rotation alongside Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White.