Commanders Draft Greek QB with Serious Starting Experience

On May 1st, Washington commanders snagged quarterback Athan Kaliak Manus with a 223rd pick in the 7th round of the draft.

This Greek American baller, named after St. Athanasius of Alexandria, the father of orthodoxy, brings serious starting experience from college.

He started 42 of 48 games, putting him third among last weekend's drafted QBs.

Earlier this week, folks noted his journey from Minnesota to Rutgers via the transfer portal.

At Minnesota, he started five games as a red shirt freshman in 2022, then took the full reigns in 2023 with over 18.

100 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Landing at Rutgers, he turned heads quick as the starter.

Kaliak Manus called the draft call an out-of-body experience, saying he really wanted the commander's spot.

Fans scratched heads with Jaden Daniels, Marcus Marriota, and Sam Hartman already in the QB room.

But he impressed scouts with his passion and career-best 2025 stats, 62.2% completions, over 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Meanwhile, his Rutgers run was legendary in just two seasons, all 1,820 passing yards, 38 touchdowns, all top seven, in program history.

First garland night QB, with back-to-back 2,500 yard seasons, plus six 300 yard games.

Bottom line, he's long-term gold, cheat backup insurance behind Marriota, sparks competition, and elevates the room without stealing snaps from.

Daniels, commanders see developmental upside that fits perfect.