Ranking Every Commanders Draft Class of the Last Decade: From Busts to Blueprints

The Washington Commanders have completed the first phase of the NFL offseason and have turned their attention to the upcoming rookie class with the 2026 NFL Draft now in reach.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:07pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in burgundy and gold hues, capturing the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the Commanders' draft decisions over the years.The Commanders' draft history over the past decade has been a complex tapestry of hits and misses, now deconstructed into a cubist masterpiece.Washington Today

The article ranks the Washington Commanders' draft classes over the past decade, from worst to best. It analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of each class, highlighting both busts and successful picks. The 2024 draft class is singled out as the best of the decade, with the Commanders addressing key needs and finding promising young talent across multiple positions.

Why it matters

This analysis provides valuable insight into the Commanders' draft strategy and decision-making over the past 10 years. It sheds light on the team's ability to identify and develop talent, which is crucial for building a successful NFL franchise. The article also offers a glimpse into the team's current direction and the expectations for their upcoming 2026 draft class.

The details

The article covers the Commanders' draft classes from 2013 to 2024, ranking them from worst to best. The 2023 class is considered the worst, with the selection of cornerback Emmanuel Forbes over the Patriots' Christian Gonzalez being a particular point of criticism. The 2016 class is also highlighted as one of the more difficult to look back on, due to early-round misses on players like Josh Doctson and Su'a Cravens. On the other hand, the 2024 class is praised as the best of the decade, with the Commanders addressing key needs and finding promising young talent across multiple positions, including quarterback Jayden Daniels, defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton, and edge rusher Javontae Jean-Baptiste.

  • The 2023 class was the final draft of the 'old regime' in Washington.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is now in reach for the Commanders.

The players

Adam Peters

The general manager of the Washington Commanders who will have decisions to make with the team's 2026 draft picks.

Quan Martin

A valuable player at the safety position for the Commanders.

Emmanuel Forbes

A cornerback drafted by the Commanders in 2023 who never quite became the player the team had hoped.

Christian Gonzalez

A cornerback drafted by the New England Patriots one pick after the Commanders selected Emmanuel Forbes in 2023.

Kendall Fuller

A cornerback drafted by the Commanders in 2016 who helped save that draft class.

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What’s next

The Commanders will have the 7th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and general manager Adam Peters will need to make important decisions on which players to select to continue building a competitive roster.

The takeaway

The Commanders' draft history over the past decade has been a mixed bag, with both successful and disappointing classes. However, the team's 2024 draft class is widely regarded as their best in the last 10 years, providing hope that the franchise is on the right track to building a sustainable winner through the draft.