Loser No. 1
Javontae Jean-Baptiste - Commanders DE/OLB
The Washington Commanders have prioritized the edge-rushing room more than any other on the depth chart this offseason. Adam Peters didn't have much choice, and this intent persisted through the 2026 NFL Draft.
Washington's pass-rush wasn't considered a great need, considering they signed Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson, and Charles Omenihu to go alongside Dorance Armstrong Jr. That did not stop Peters from ending the slide of Joshua Josephs in the fifth round.
Josephs might be a little undersized, but he's versatile and explosive. Most thought he would go on Day 2 of the draft. When he slipped midway into Day 3, it was too good an opportunity to pass up.
This doesn't look favorably on Javontae Jean-Baptiste's hopes of carving out a decent role for himself. The 2024 seventh-round pick saw his momentum halted with an early injury that ended his season ahead of time. And the Commanders were in no position to wait around.
Winner No. 2
Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB
There have been some significant changes to the Commanders' cornerback room this offseason. Several underperforming veterans, including four-time Pro Bowler Marshon Lattimore, are no longer around. Two new faces came into the fold, but most fans expected Adam Peters to find another productive option via the draft.
Surprisingly, Peters didn't.
Mansoor Delane went No. 6 to the Kansas City Chiefs, but the Commanders were locked in on Sonny Styles. Others were preferred for the other five selections, which indicates a level of comfort with the options already available.
This was a massive vote of confidence in Mike Sainristil. The 2024 second-round pick got a lot of interceptions last year, but his overall coverage was lackluster. He has conceded many explosive plays, and where he is best suited remains a contentious debate among the fan base.
The Commanders are giving Sainristil the benefit of the doubt. He must repay this faith.
Loser No. 2
Jaylin Lane - Commanders WR
The Commanders were not going to come out of the draft without a wide receiver. That would have been organizational malpractice, especially considering how high the stakes are for quarterback Jayden Daniels next season.
Washington was touted as a Terry McLaurin injury away from having the worst receiving corps in the league. Brandon Aiyuk may help, but he's missed a lot of football over the last two years. Once the Commanders found a defensive difference-maker with the No. 7 pick, attention quickly turned to the skill positions around Daniels.
Antonio Williams was the choice. He was touted as a first-round pick before the 2025 season. Injuries and Clemson's complete capitulation saw his stock slide, but there is excitement about what he could bring to David Blough's system.
Considering that Williams does his best work out of the slot, Jaylin Lane's status comes under the microscope. While there is no danger of him missing out on the roster, his chances of becoming a bigger feature on the offensive rotation may be hit.
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