Adam Peters didn't have anything more than six selections in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Washington Commanders had fewer needs to fill after an aggressive free agency, but maximizing the resources at their disposal was crucial.
It was a wild start. There was so much unpredictability at the top end, and all the Commanders could do was wait. Fortune favored them on more than one occasion, and one could argue that Peters achieved good returns with the limited assets at his disposal.
Obviously, nobody knows for sure how things will work out. Peters trusts his staff, understands the prospects he needs to fit into the culture, and shows conviction in everything he does. There is also plenty of salary-cap space available to make additional moves, depending on what he believes is required.
Not every pick is going to thrive, that's just the way it is. But the Commanders look a lot better now than before the draft, which is always the primary objective.
With this in mind, we took a look and graded every pick from what turned out to be a highly eventful 2026 NFL Draft for the Commanders.
Grading every Washington Commanders pick from the 2026 NFL Draft
Commanders drafted Athan Kaliakmanis
- Quarterback | Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 223
The well had pretty much run dry by the time Washington went on the clock at No. 223 overall. Adam Peters used this opportunity to draft Athan Kaliakmanis, a developmental quarterback who'll be tasked with learning behind the duo of Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota.
Nobody should be expecting Kaliakmanis to push for playing time. He's got a good arm and has a relentless mindset to keep pushing forward, but there are limitations with his processing and accuracy under pressure. He'll be fighting it out with Sam Hartman for the QB3 role, and while he's the favorite to secure it, everything must be earned.
The move wasn't met with widespread praise. However, if the Commanders can develop Kaliakmanis into a capable backup for Daniels, that's going to work out a lot cheaper than paying a veteran. And if things go especially well, this could be an intriguing trade chip a little later down the line.
Draft Grade: C-
It's a seventh-round pick, so there is no need for anyone to get too carried away. Not everyone is going to be Jacory Crooskey-Merritt, but it does seem as if this pick could have been used to bolster the depth of another position.
Peters could have gotten a quarterback to mold in undrafted free agency. But he decided to jump the queue instead.
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