B-
Washington Commanders
More right than wrong for the Commanders, and a B- to prove it.
by Kenny proctor ·
2026 NFL Draft
· 6 picks
· 1 steals
· 3 reaches
The Commanders spent real capital to be 48 picks early on Patrick Payton, and the board is going to hold them to it. The bottom line is a respectable B-.
Getting Caldwell where they did is the sort of value that quietly makes a class. If this class has a fault line, it runs straight through tight end.
A competent weekend that does not make headlines and does not need to.
Pick-by-Pick
In the 7th pick they get juice off the edge at fair value. A clean fit for the roster.
The board screamed and they did not listen, reaching into the next round for Jaishawn Barham. A sensible fit that makes the depth chart a little sturdier.
They paid sticker price for Isaiah World in pick 147, and that is fine. A must-fix position, and they treated it like one.
Justin Jefferson in pick No. 187 is a bet on their own eyes over everyone else's grade. A minor itch, scratched.
They left a pile of value on the table to take Patrick Payton this early at the Round 6 slot. A real hole, addressed with a reasonable pick.
Taking Jeff Caldwell in Round 7, Pick 7 is close to grand larceny; a wide receiver that good had no business lasting this long. Top of the wish list, and they did not leave without it.