"I Wanted To Be Here" | Commanders' 7th-Round Pick Athan Kaliakmanis | Raise Hail With The Rookies

Welcome to the 2026 NFL Draft class edition of "Raise Hail with the Rookies!" Host Bryan Colbert Jr. starts off the series with seventh-round pick Athan Kaliakmanis, who talks about fulfilling his dreams of making it to the NFL, his support system and competing for a spot on the roster. The former Minnesota Golden Gopher and Rutgers Scarlet Knight also speaks on why the Commanders are the perfect fit for him and getting to play alongside Jayden Daniels. Stay tuned every Friday for sitdowns with all of the Commanders 2026 draft picks! Follow us on TikTok:   / commanders   Follow us on Instagram:   / commanders   Follow us on X: https://x.com/commanders Like us on Facebook:   / commanders   Subscribe to the Washington Commanders YouTube channel!