Athan Kaliakmanis joins Washington Commanders after draft selection

Athan Kaliakmanis was selected with the 223rd overall pick in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders. He played college football for the Minnesota Golden Gophers and Rutgers Scarlet Knights, facing the Gophers in a September 2025 game and leading Rutgers to a 60-10 victory over Norfolk State. He was named a 2025 team captain alongside Gus Zilinskas and Jordan Walker. The 2026 season is the Commanders' 95th in the National Football League and their third under general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn. The team aims to improve on a 5–12 record, return to the playoffs, and end a five-year NFC East title drought.

Draft selection and team context

Kaliakmanis was selected with the 223rd overall pick in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL draft by the Washington Commanders. He joins a roster entering its 95th NFL season and third under general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn. The Commanders aim to improve on their 5–12 record from the previous season, return to the playoffs after a one-year absence, and end a five-year NFC East title drought. His addition addresses quarterback depth and provides a developmental option behind the starter. The team’s offseason moves include targeted signings at wide receiver and defensive positions. Kaliakmanis’ college experience at Rutgers and Minnesota offers familiarity with spread concepts that could aid his transition. The Commanders view the seventh-round selection as a low‑risk, high‑upside addition to their rebuilding effort. His draft position reflects a late‑round gamble on upside rather than immediate impact. The franchise hopes his college production translates into future contributions.

College career highlights

Kaliakmanis played college football for the Minnesota Golden Gophers and Rutgers Scarlet Knights. He earned team captain honors for the 2025 season, a status noted in low‑confidence reports. During a September 2025 game at SHI Stadium he threw a 17‑yard pass to tight end Colson Yankoff, a play also flagged as low‑confidence. In another contest he posted 309 yards and a touchdown against Norfolk State, a figure likewise attributed to uncertain sources. These highlights illustrate his dual‑school background and early collegiate production before entering the 2026 NFL draft.

Roster additions and preseason developments

The Commanders also added rookie wide receiver Antonio Williams, who caught a 16-yard pass during early preseason work. Kaliakmanis' 17-yard connection to tight end Colson Yankoff was highlighted as an on-target throw, though such details remain unverified beyond low-confidence attributions. Both players were mentioned in reports from multiple outlets covering Commanders' preseason activities. The team, entering its 95th NFL season under general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn, is working to improve on its 5–12 record from the previous year. Kaliakmanis was selected with the 223rd overall pick in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL draft. His college career included a 60-10 victory over Norfolk State and a 309-yard passing performance against the same opponent, though those specific details are attributed to low-confidence sources.

Draft background and transfer portal context

Kaliakmanis entered the 2026 NFL draft after college stints at Minnesota and Rutgers. Reports suggest he faced questions about his departure from the Gophers program, though no confirmation of a Transfer Portal Breakup With Gophers has been provided.

Kaliakmanis played against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in September 2025 and was named a 2025 team captain alongside Gus Zilinskas and Jordan Walker. He passed for 309 yards and a touchdown in a game against Norfolk State and led Rutgers to a 60-10 victory over the same opponent. He threw a pass during a September 2025 game at SHI Stadium. These college performances preceded his selection with the 223rd overall pick in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders.

Offseason interest and future outlook

The Denver Broncos were reported to have shown interest in Kaliakmanis during offseason planning, though this remains unverified. The Washington Commanders are rebuilding around their new coaching tandem of general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn. Kaliakmanis' role in the 2026 season will depend on his performance during training camp and preseason games. The team aims to improve on their 5–12 record from the previous season, return to the playoffs after a one-year absence, and end a five-year NFC East title drought. His draft selection marks the start of a promising transition from college to the professional ranks. The Commanders' 2026 season marks their 95th in the NFL and their third under the current leadership. His college career included a 60-10 victory over Norfolk State and a September 2025 game against Minnesota Golden Gophers. Kaliakmanis was named a team captain for the 2025 season and threw a 17-yard pass to Colson Yankoff during a September 2025 game. His NFL draft selection came with

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