The opinions expressed in this article do not reflect those of the team.
The Washington Commanders have the chance to grab one of the best impact players in the 2026 NFL Draft with the seventh overall pick, but it's always smart to remember that their class is more than just one pick.
As it currently stands, the Commanders will enter the three-day event at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with six picks. Peters has drafted 14 players so far during his time as the Commanders' general manager, and there are several of them who have bright futures in the NFL. That list includes quarterback Jayden Daniels -- his first pick in 2024 at No. 2 overall -- as well as tackle Josh Conerly and cornerback Trey Amos.
The Commanders will have one of the smallest classes this year, which means they'll need to get the most possible value out of every selection. The good news is that the work they did in free agency to address multiple positions of need, such as pass rusher, tight end and running back, puts them in position to take the best players available.
And since most people have been rightfully focused on the No. 7 pick, we're going to broaden the scope and examine a few players in the later rounds who could improve Washington's roster. We're moving on to the fifth round, where the Commanders have the 147th overall pick.
Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee: Josephs was a starter for just one season but was disruptive for his entire career at Tennessee with 22 tackles for a loss and 9.5 sacks. He's got long arms measuring at just over 34 inches that he can use to create separation while rushing the passer. He'll probably need to put on some weight, but he has promise on the back end of a rotation.
Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama: Jackson has decent speed with solid numbers as a three-year starter with USC and Alabama. The film was much better in 2024, when he had seven pass breakups and two interceptions in 13 games. He's got adequate size to succeed in the NFL but will need to be more consistent to climb up a depth chart.
Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State: Allen isn't the most explosive athlete but might be one of the most consistent with at least 900 rushing yards in the last three seasons. He set a school record with 4,180 career rushing yards and scored 43 total scores as a runner and pass-catcher. He also has some limited experience as a kick returner, which could help him earn a roster spot.
Scooby Williams, LB, Texas A&M: The last two seasons have been tough for Williams. He played most of the 2024 season with a torn meniscus and dealt with injuries throughout the 2025 season. However, that didn't stop him from putting up solid numbers with 11.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions and five pass breakups. He'll need to stay healthy, but he does have the potential to make a bigger impact with time.
Lorenzo Styles Jr., S, Ohio State: Most of the draft community is focused on Sonny Styles, but his brother is an accomplished athlete in his own right. He ran a 4.27 at the combine, which might push his value higher than the fifth round. He's a converted receiver, so he'll need time to develop in the NFL. It's difficult to say where his game goes from here, but teams will normally give players with that kind of speed a chance to succeed.
Jaeden Roberts, G, Alabama: Roberts is a physical specimen at the position with a reported 805-pound squat, cleaned 415 and benched 525 at 333 pounds. He also had a 1,400-pound sled push in high school and has just 18% body fat, all of which helped him earn a spot on Bruce Feldman's "Freak" list. His technique on the field, however, could use some work, but if he can get that down, he might be unstoppable.
Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke: A two-time All-ACC selection and Third Team All-American, Rivers grabbed five interceptions in his last two seasons and recorded at least 50 tackles each year. He's also a strong member of the community and was named to the Allstate Good Works Team in 2025.
Michael Sturdivant, WR, Florida: Sturdivant is an interesting prospect who could end up being more than what he showed in his college career with California, UCLA and Florida. He's 6-foot-3 and 207 pounds but didn't have the production one would expect of a No. 1 receiver aside from the 755 yards and seven touchdowns he recorded as a freshman. He does have quickness and agility, though, so with the right coaching, he could be a steal.
Max Llewellyn, EDGE, Iowa: Llewellyn was a disruptor for Iowa with nearly a third of his tackles resulting in a loss. He stands at 6-6 with good size at 258 pounds, but there's a need for development with his technique. He had 14.5 sacks in his career, so he could turn into a good backup at some point.
Reggie Virgil, WR, Texas Tech: Virgil experienced a jump in competition when he transferred to Texas after a strong 2024 campaign with Miami (OH). He led the Red Raiders with 705 yards and six touchdowns while averaging 12.4 yards per catch. He's a solid receiver who runs clean routes and has good hands. It might take him a year or two to compete at a high level in the NFL, but there is certainly a path for him to do so.
