Winner No. 3
Quan Martin - Commanders S
NFL insider Tony Pauline caused a stir before the draft by proclaiming that the Washington Commanders were not planning to draft Caleb Downs. And the reasons centered on their ongoing faith in Quan Martin to finally fulfill his promise.
As it turned out, he was onto something.
The Commanders didn't draft Downs, who ended up on the Dallas Cowboys. Adam Peters didn't draft a safety with his remaining five selections, either. Unless there is another veteran they are targeting from the remaining free-agent pool, it seems as if Martin is going to get one more shot at redemption next season.
This is a massive gamble from the Commanders. Martin's form and confidence plummeted last season. Washington phased him out, but his versatility and athleticism could lead to improvements under Daronte Jones. His sterling previous work with defensive backs may help the Illinois product bounce back.
Loser No. 3
Jordan Magee - Commanders LB
The Commanders had Sonny Styles right at the top of their shortlist. Adam Peters didn't think there was much chance he would make it to No. 7, but that all changed when running back Jeremiyah Love and wide receiver Carnell Tate both went in the top five.
Washington got its shot at Styles, and Peters took it. His athleticism, high character, and his do-it-all capabilities look tailor-made for the scheme defensive coordinator Daronte Jones plans to run. But that won't be good news for everybody.
The linebacker room now looks crowded, which isn't a bad thing. Styles joins free-agent signing Leo Chenal as the new arrivals. Frankie Luvu is still around in a contract year. There's also Jordan Magee, who could be most affected.
Magee remains an unknown quantity just two years into his career. Injuries have dented his progress on occasion, but the flashes suggest he could grow. However, Styles' arrival is not going to make that any easier.
Winner No. 4
Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB
Jayden Daniels is entering a crucial Year 3 of his professional career. The Commanders have not lost faith in the dynamic quarterback, but there are more doubts than ever after a frustrating 2025 campaign that saw him complete just four games due to injury.
All signs are pointing up again. Daniels is healthy and ready to remind the world why he was considered an elite signal-caller during a rookie year for the ages. But the Commanders also needed to do their part by improving their supporting cast accordingly.
Peters accomplished this during the draft. Daniels has a new wide receiver weapon in Antonio Williams. He's got a new tone-setting running back in Kaytron Allen. The former LSU standout may also have a long-term starter at center to depend upon if Matt Gulbin transitions smoothly.
The Commanders are not the finished article offensively just yet. Brandon Aiyuk's potential arrival looms large, but the pieces are slowly coming together. Now, it's up to Daniels.
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