ESPN’s Mike Clay recently came out with his annual positional rankings ahead of the 2026 season. Clay doesn't think much of the Washington Commanders, with Washington falling to the bottom of the rankings at every position except quarterback, and receiving an overall rating of No. 24.
Highest Ranking - Quarterback (No. 8)
Washington’s highest ranking was quarterback at No. 8. This is not surprising given the promise surrounding quarterback Jayden Daniels. They also have a solid backup in Marcus Mariota. So it is understandable why the Commanders’ quarterback room ranks in the top 10 in the league.
Lowest Rankings - Running Back (No. 31) and Offensive Line (No. 31)
Both the Commanders running back room and offensive line room were ranked next-to-last. This ranking for the running back room is not exactly surprising. Washington had one of the best rushing offenses in the NFL last season, finishing in the top-five in rushing yards and top-10 in rushing touchdowns. Even with their rushing success last season, they decided to add a new backup in Rachaad White. Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who led Washington in rushing yards last season, will remain the top back. Croskey-Merritt and White are not the most well-known running backs in the NFL, but they should certainly be a productive duo given Washington’s success in the run game last season. Therefore, Clay’s rankings of the Commanders’ running backs seem rather inaccurate.
His ranking of the offensive line, however, is in line with some other websites, such as Pro Football Focus, which ranked Washington’s offensive line as the worst in the league due to the loss of left tackle Laremy Tunsil Jr for the majority of the season. There have also been injury concerns with the Commanders’ center, Nick Allegretti, throughout training camp. Unless Washington adds depth to the offensive line before the season begins, this unit could really struggle.
Most Surprising Ranking - Wide Receiver (No. 22)
Besides the low ranking for the running back room, the ranking for the wide receiver group is also shocking. Washington had one of the worst passing offenses last season, but that is partly because Jayden Daniels and top wide receiver Terry McLaurin were out most of the season. Deebo Samuel led the Commanders in receiving last season, and while he is gone, Washington still has McLaurin; they signed Stefon Diggs and drafted promising rookie Antonio Williams. Depth receiver Luke McCaffrey is also still on the roster. There are concerns about McLaurin’s and Diggs’ ages because they are both in their 30s. However, that doesn’t seem relevant, since both are still elite receivers in this league.
Also, when you look at the teams ahead of Washington, not all of them have better wide receivers than the Commanders. For example, the Arizona Cardinals’ wide receivers rank above Washington’s. Their leading receiver last season was a tight end; their top receiver on the roster is Marvin Harrison Jr who has yet to live up to his expectations coming out of college. So, looking at the rankings, ranking Washington’s receivers at No. 22 in the league does not make sense.
Overall - No. 24
Saying Washington is going to be one of the worst teams in the league seems shocking. Among the teams ranked ahead of the Commanders are the New York Jets, who do not even have a solid quarterback situation. Washington is also ranked the lowest of any team in the NFC East, with the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 3, the Dallas Cowboys at No. 9, and the New York Giants at No. 23. This is a team that made the NFC Championship in 2024, and they have some key pieces from that 2024 team. The Commanders shouldn’t be in the bottom half of the league or last in their division.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders disrespected in ESPN's positional rankings
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