Eagles Enemy Draft Analysis: Washington Commanders

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: Sonny Styles of Ohio State poses for a photo after being selected seventh overall by the Washington Commanders during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Washington Commanders are coming off a disappointing season where age and injuries caught up with them. After making the NFC Championship Game the year prior, Washington went into the 2026 NFL Draft needing to prioritize getting younger and faster across their entire roster.

Here’s how the draft shook out for them. Sonny Styles, Linebacker, Ohio State Dan Quinn’s defenses have always done their best with speed at the linebacker position. Bobby Wagner and Deion Jones held down the middle of his best defenses over the years and he went into this class wanting to find that caliber of player.

Easier said than done, but there’s plenty of reason for Washington to be optimistic about Sonny Styles. Styles has ridiculous athleticism that could change the entire Commanders defense. He is still a bit raw, but the upside with this pick was obvious.

Quinn wants speed and physicality more than anything else on defense and that’s what he’s getting in Styles. Antonio Williams, Wide Receiver, Clemson Washington has their top receiver in Terry McLaurin and there’s little reason to believe he won’t be a factor once again next year. But helping Jayden Daniels in Year 3 means acquiring more weapons for him in the passing game.