Chris Paul is in the last year of his deal with the Commanders, and his backup, Timothy McKay, is unlikely to inherit the throne when Paul leaves. A fifth-round pick may not be a sure-fire heir-apparent either, but with pick 147, Washington takes Iowa guard, Beau Stephens.

The 6’6 and 315-pound interior lineman was a first-team All-American in 2025. Pro Football Focus (PFF) had him as the highest-rated guard from a power conference in 2025, going the whole year without allowing a sack or committing a penalty. He truly excels in the run game, which will suit him well on a team where the running backs and the quarterbacks put up rushing yards.

Stephens technique will need improvement, and it’s paramount that he gets better there, because his arm length will be a handicap at times. He is a fifth-round pick, so nobody will expect much as a rookie, but if he is expected to start in 2027, he needs to grow quickly.