Newcomers could replace veterans, or, at the very least, push them for a starting job. It could also impact other veterans' potential chances of a return. Then, from the other perspective, if a team chooses not to address a position in the NFL draft, that could be good news for a holdover.

Here are the Commanders' biggest winners and losers from the 2026 draft.Winner: QB Athan KaliakmanisThe Commanders hosted Kaliakmanis on a top-30 visit, despite not needing a quarterback. This could be because new offensive coordinator David Blough likes him and sees him as a potential long-term backup to Jayden Daniels. Kaliakmanis has played plenty of football, and the fact that Washington used a pick on him means the team likes him.Loser: QB Sam HartmanHartman served as the practice-squad quarterback for the last two seasons.

He played in the preseason last year and did not play well, but the Commanders chose to retain him on the practice squad and went with two veteran backups behind Daniels. While Marcus Mariota returns as Daniels' backup, neither Josh Johnson nor Jeff Driskel is on the roster. Hartman will be competing with Kaliakmanis for the third-string job in 2026.

That doesn't bode well for Hartman's chances. Winner: C Nick AllegrettiThe veteran offensive lineman is expected to start at center in 2026. While the Commanders did find a center in the NFL draft, he's not expected to open the year as the starter.

The job is Allegretti's to lose. While rookie Matt Gulbin could eventually push for playing time, it won't be early in the season, giving Allegretti a chance to lock down the position for the season. Had the Commanders used a higher pick on a center, things could've turned out differently.

This is good news for Allegretti. Loser: RB Jerome FordWashington had four backs on the roster before the draft. On Saturday, the Commanders used a sixth-round pick on running back Kaytron Allen.

Five running backs aren't making the roster. Washington may only keep three. It's doubtful that GM Adam Peters cuts the rookie, and we know Jacory Croskey-Merritt is the likely starter, with Rachaad White, Jeromy McNichols and Ford all competing for spots.

That will ultimately not be good news for someone, probably Ford. Winner: WR Antonio WilliamsThe third-round rookie receiver has a clear path to a starting job. He can play in the slot or on the outside.

Depending on what happens throughout the remainder of the offseason, Williams could be ticketed to start in the slot. The talented and versatile rookie wideout could enjoy a breakout campaign, even if the Commanders also eventually land Brandon Aiyuk alongside Terry McLaurin. Loser: LB Bobby WagnerTechnically, Wagner is not on Washington's roster, but the door was reportedly open for a potential return if Wagner would accept a smaller role.

That's likely out of his hands now, with the Commanders drafting Sonny Styles as the new mike linebacker. While Styles represents an athletic upgrade in the middle of the defense, Wagner's football IQ, instincts and leadership will be missed. There just appears to be no more room for Wagner now.Winner: K Jake MoodyThe Commanders did not draft a rookie kicker, and as of now, they have not added one as an undrafted free agent.

That's great for Moody. He should still expect some competition this summer, but it could come from another veteran, which gives Moody the advantage. Remember, Moody is only 26 and is a former third-round pick.

He's talented, and Peters may trust him to get it right. This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Winners and losers for the Washington Commanders