Hawkeye Legend Drew Stevens Headed to NFL Commanders
The Washington Commanders made their picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, but for Iowa fans, the most exciting move happened after the draft was over. Former Hawkeyes kicker Drew Stevens signed with the team as an undrafted free agent, and he just might be the steal of the class.
Stevens Brings Hawkeye Greatness to Washington
Stevens, widely considered the best kicker in University of Iowa history, has a real shot at making the Commanders' active roster. During his 53 games as a Hawkeye, Stevens connected on 76 of 95 field goal attempts for an impressive 80 percent conversion rate. He was nearly automatic on extra points, hitting 124 of 126 attempts.
For a franchise that has struggled with kicking consistency, adding a proven performer like Stevens makes all the sense in the world. Out of all the undrafted free agents Washington signed, Stevens has the clearest path to the 53-man roster.
Iowa fans know exactly what Stevens brings to the table. He was clutch in tight games and reliable when the Hawkeyes needed points on the board. That kind of dependability translates well to the next level.
Commanders Build Around First-Rounder Sonny Styles
While Stevens headlines the post-draft additions, Washington's draft class is anchored by first-round pick Sonny Styles, a linebacker out of Ohio State. The Commanders selected Styles with the seventh overall pick, and he is expected to start from day one.
Styles brings a unique background to the position. He played safety for his first two years at Ohio State, recording 62 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks across 23 games. After moving to linebacker as a junior, he exploded onto the scene with 182 tackles, 17 for loss, 8 deflected passes, 7 sacks, and an interception over his final 30 games as a Buckeye. He earned 1st Team All-American honors in 2025 and was a two-time Butkus Award Semifinalist.
Styles steps in as the replacement for veteran Bobby Wagner, and Commanders GM Adam Peters clearly views him as a foundational piece for Dan Quinn's defense.
Full Washington Commanders 2026 Draft Class
- Round 1, No. 7: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
- Round 3, No. 71: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
- Round 5, No. 147: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee
- Round 6, No. 187: Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State
- Round 6, No. 209: Matt Gulbin, C, Michigan State
- Round 7, No. 223: Athan Kaliakmanis, QB, Rutgers
Other Rookies to Watch
WR Antonio Williams (Round 3)
The Clemson product gives the Commanders a true slot receiver. Williams caught 208 passes for 2,336 yards and 21 touchdowns over 43 games with the Tigers. He also added 25 carries for 187 yards and two scores on the ground. With no other player on the roster matching his skill set, Williams should enter training camp as the clear leader at the slot position.
RB Kaytron Allen (Round 6)
Allen could end up being the biggest bargain of this entire draft class. He left Penn State as the program's all-time career rushing leader with 4,180 yards on 769 carries, averaging 5.4 yards per attempt with 39 touchdowns. He surpassed former Washington Redskins running back Evan Royster's previous record of 3,932 yards. Allen also caught 70 passes for 490 yards and four touchdowns. His physical running style fits perfectly with David Blough's play-action offense, and he could make the running back competition very interesting this summer.
DE Joshua Josephs (Round 5)
Josephs brings elite physical traits to Washington's defensive line rotation. His arms measure just over 34 inches, and his wingspan is nearly seven feet at 83 7/8 inches. In 48 games at Tennessee, he posted 104 tackles, 22 for loss, 9.5 sacks, 9 deflected passes, 4 fumble recoveries, and a defensive touchdown. Defensive coordinator Daronte Jones loves creating confusion for opposing offenses, and Josephs has the length and pass rush ability to factor into that rotation early.
OL Matt Gulbin (Round 6)
Gulbin appeared in 51 games at Michigan State and adds interior depth behind starting center Nick Allegretti. Expect him to contribute primarily on special teams as a rookie, barring injuries ahead of him on the depth chart.
QB Athan Kaliakmanis (Round 7)
There is zero pressure on Kaliakmanis this season. With Jayden Daniels locked in as the starter and Marcus Mariota as the backup, the Rutgers product will likely spend the year on the practice squad. Unless the season goes completely off the rails, fans should not expect to see him take a regular season snap.
Complete Undrafted Free Agent Signings
- Fred Davis II, CB, Northwestern
- Quentin Moore, TE, Washington
- Jeffrey M'ba, DT, SMU
- Chris Hilton Jr, WR, LSU
- Jaden Bradley, WR, UNLV
- Robert Henry Jr, RB, UTSA
- Malik Spencer, S, Michigan State
- Tanoa Togiai, OG, Utah
- Drew Stevens, K, Iowa
For Hawkeye fans, keeping an eye on Stevens during training camp and the preseason will be a top priority. If his college track record is any indication, Washington just found themselves a kicker who can deliver for years to come.