Sonny Styles - Commanders LB
The Washington Commanders were extremely high on linebacker Sonny Styles during their comprehensive pre-draft assessments. They made no secret of that fact, but they also didn't think there was much chance of the linebacker being available at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Fortune favored the Commanders, and they would not turn away such a gift. Styles has everything one looks for in a modern-day defensive tone-setter. His size, athleticism, and elite-level mentality look tailor-made for the culture that head coach Dan Quinn has built. These traits have also enabled him to make a seamless transition into the franchise.
Styles' burst, closing speed, and supreme football IQ have already been evident over OTAs and Washington's rookie minicamp. The former Ohio State standout is just getting started, and even though the Commanders are making him earn it, he already looks capable of becoming an integral part of the defensive strategy in Week 1.
Chig Okonkwo - Commanders TE
Zach Ertz was a massive asset to the Commanders throughout his two years with the club. But even before he suffered a torn ACL against the Minnesota Vikings, most fans thought a more dynamic option would be beneficial moving forward.
Washington's decision-makers held the same opinion. Ertz wasn't brought back. And though the door has not been firmly shut on a return, Chig Okonkwo is the main man now.
Okonkwo's arrival brings significant upside. He flashed enormous promises in difficult circumstances during his first few years in the league with the Tennessee Titans. He's got the athleticism and ability to generate yards after the catch that Ertz doesn't possess. And with so many questions around the receiver options behind Terry McLaurin, he's got a shot to become the No. 2 option in Washington's passing attack.
Jayden Daniels already likes what he's seeing from Okonkwo, and it's not hard to see why.
Antonio Williams - Commanders WR
There remains significant debate around the Commanders' wide receiver options. Some believe more is required, and rumors are still swirling that an additional reinforcement will be secured at some stage before Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Until then, Adam Peters is giving the young pass-catchers behind Terry McLaurin a chance to establish themselves.
Antonio Williams has more intrigue than most. The No. 71 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft was expected to go a little higher, though his first-round projection before the 2025 campaign tumbled. Even so, the Commanders believe they may have found a long-term piece of their puzzle.
Williams has done nothing to diminish these hopes during his early transition. His route-running, sharpness out of his breaks, and body control to keep moving upfield quickly are leaving a mark. If the same trend goes on over the summer, the former Clemson star will get his fair share of targets.
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