Washington Commanders Expected to Select USC Quarterback Caleb Williams with First Overall Pick

The Washington Commanders are expected to select USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, according to multiple league sources familiar with the organization's thinking. The decision would end months of speculation about the franchise's direction as they look to solve their long-standing quarterback position under new head coach Dan Quinn.

Williams, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2025 after throwing for 4,537 yards and 42 touchdowns with just 8 interceptions, has emerged as the consensus top prospect in this year's draft class. The 22-year-old quarterback impressed NFL scouts throughout the college season with his arm strength, mobility, and leadership qualities that helped transform USC into a College Football Playoff contender. His performance at last week's NFL Scouting Combine, where he threw with pinpoint accuracy and ran a 4.42-second 40-yard dash, only reinforced his status as a generational talent.

Commanders general manager Adam Peters has been tight-lipped about the team's draft plans, but sources indicate the organization has been thoroughly impressed with Williams during multiple private workouts and interviews. The quarterback's maturity and football IQ have particularly stood out to the coaching staff, who believe he can immediately compete for the starting job alongside veteran backup Marcus Mariota. "Caleb has all the tools you want in a modern NFL quarterback," said one team source who spoke on condition of anonymity. "His ability to extend plays and create magic outside the pocket is exactly what this offense needs."

The anticipated selection of Williams would represent a new era for the Commanders franchise, which has struggled to find consistent quarterback play since the retirement of longtime starter Alex Smith. Previous attempts to address the position through trades and free agency have largely failed, making the draft the organization's preferred path to finding a franchise cornerstone. Quinn, who was hired in January after a successful stint as the Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator, has made it clear that establishing a strong quarterback room is his top priority.

Williams' selection would also have significant implications for the rest of the draft, as quarterback-needy teams like the Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants, and Las Vegas Raiders would likely turn their attention to other prospects such as LSU's Jayden Daniels, Michigan's J.J. McCarthy, or North Carolina's Drake Maye. The Commanders' decision to take Williams would essentially set the tone for the entire first round, as teams adjust their boards based on which quarterbacks remain available.

For Williams, being selected by Washington represents an opportunity to revitalize a franchise that has shown flashes of competitiveness but lacks the consistent quarterback play necessary for sustained success. The team's young offensive weapons, including receivers Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson, provide Williams with legitimate targets to grow alongside. With the 2026 NFL Draft scheduled for April 25-27 in Detroit, Williams appears poised to become the face of the Commanders' franchise and the latest quarterback tasked with bringing stability to one of the NFL's most scrutinized positions.