2026 Commanders -- In and Out

[AnonEmouse]

Exactly, hindsight is 20:20, I doubt anyone could predict the injury chaos and fall off of guys like Luvu and Sainristil. I do question the logic of letting Chinn go, and I think that was more money than skill, so a short-sighted decision.

Other than that yes he's had some draft picks underperform against expectations, but it's too early to describe them as busts. And too often very serviceable players are judged solely against their draft slot and not against their overall production. i.e. Newton was projected as 1st rd, dropped to 2nd, has produced more like a 2nd or 3rd rd talent, but seems to be judged as if he was taken in the 1st. It's 'either boom or bust' mentality, instead of grading out the results.

I'm not convinced AP is a genius, but he's definitely not an idiot. 2024 draft - 8 of 9 picks still with the team. 2025 draft - 5 of 5 still with us. It's not brilliant in that a number of those picks haven't met expectations, but it's far from a disaster. FA is where he's been more hit and miss, but again, he found guys that contributed well then for some reason fell off (Luvu) or have contributed then gotten injured just when we needed them (i.e. Wise). The only absolutely clear whiff is Lattimore, and he's admitted it was a failed move.

I want to wait until after this offseason to grade him. So far I'm giving him 7/10, and I'd like to see him move that needle to at least an 8. If he drops to a 6 then I'm worried.