The Washington Commanders made some intriguing selections in the 2022 Draft. It was either loved or hated by fans and there was wide difference in some pundits’ assessment of their draft grades. That being said, grades for drafts usually mean nothing once players get on the field and what their numbers turn out to be. What the Commanders did could either be a raving success or it could be an absolute disaster. No one will know how things will transpire for this draft class, but clearly some in the front office like Martin Mayhew and head coach Ron Rivera were happy with the selections they made. With that being said, let's take a look at the draft picks.
First Round-Jahan Dotson, Wide Receiver
Dotson was a bit of a shock when selected as some felt like he was a reach of a pick and there were other wide receivers that had higher grades. However, for what the Commanders got after trading down for draft capital and still having a mid-round pick, they got great value. Dotson will make their receiver core demonstrably better and deeper. The most important thing about Dotson is ability to make a catch as with 91 receptions in college last season for Penn State, he only had two drops. Dotson is also a great route runner with tremendous speed, so he could also be valuable as a punt and/or kick returner. This was a much better pick than what a lot of people perceived as this makes the offense deeper, faster, and it gives quarterback Carson Wentz another weapon to become successful.
Second Round-Phidarian Mathis, Defensive Tackle
What was once the most feared part of the team’s defense, the defensive line, it suddenly looked like the depth thinned out with the departures of Tim Settle and Matt Ioannidis. So, in this round, a defensive lineman seemed logical and that’s exactly what the Commanders did. However, who they selected was peculiar as they selected someone who was predicted to go in the third or fourth round, Phidarian Mathis. The team has history of drafting defensive linemen from Alabama, but Mathis does not compare to Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. That being said, Mathis is a very good player as in his first time playing extended minutes, he recorded nine sacks, 53 tackles (12 of which were for a loss), and also made second team All SEC, and was a captain. While certainly a good depth player, there’s a lot of questions as to why they drafted a player in the second round where you have to draft a player who is going to start. While puzzling, there has to be a good reason why they drafted Mathis in this part of the draft, but he is a very good player.
Third Round-Brian Robinson, Running Back
Another Alabama player, Washington saw some value from Robinson and drafted him high in the draft. While not having much playing time in college, one thing Alabama produces is good running backs as well. While also peculiar to see Robinson drafted this high, this was actually a very good pick as it helps alleviate the workload for Antonio Gibson and allow Gibson to play to his strength. Robinson is a bruiser and runs the ball well as he rushed for 1,343 yards on 271 carries and 14 touchdowns. He also is good receiver as he caught 35 passes for 296 yards and two touchdowns. Robinson was also a first team All SEC in 2021. It gives the offense another weapon and it helps allow Gibson to play to his strength which instantly makes the offense better. Great draft pick, but in a peculiar spot.
Fourth Round-Percy Butler, Safety
Who? That’s what many thought when he was drafted, but Butler might’ve been the steal of the draft for the Commanders. Butler was the best “pure free safety” in the draft according to many thus picking him here in the fourth round is outstanding. Great range, amazing coverage skills, and good tackler, plus has versatility as Butler can play both safety spots and is great on special teams. Butler had 61 tackles (six for loss), four passes defensed, and a blocked kick. Outstanding value for the fourth round and making their defensive backs depth deeper.
Fifth Round-Sam Howell, Quarterback
Howell was seen as a first round draft pick by many, but obviously fell very far down the draft considering his profile. Howell had a very productive college career at North Carolina where he threw for 92 touchdowns to only 23 interceptions. Howell has a strong arm and is accurate. He’s a terrific athlete who can run if need be as well. The hope is that he develops into a starter, but he’s at worst a developmental pick. This was an easy selection to make especially if he becomes the team’s future starting quarterback.
Fifth Round-Cole Turner, Tight End
Tight End was something that was needed more depth for as Logan Thomas is still dealing with his injury, while John Bates doesn’t have a ton of starting experience. Turner is a solid receiver as he’s a former wide receiver, however, his problem is that he does not block. However, with 62 receptions for 677 yards and 10 touchdowns for Nevada, he could be a sneaky option for Wentz in the red zone.
Seventh Round-Chris Paul, Guard
This was a pick made out of depth, but Paul also provides versatility on the offensive line as he can play both guard and at tackle. Paul also has some speed as he clocked a 4.92 during the 40 yard dash. This could be a very useful pick for the Commanders in the future.
Seventh Round-Christian Holmes, Cornerback
Another depth pick for Washington, Holmes is a physical and athletic cornerback. What helps is that he started every game for Oklahoma State. His downside is his man coverage which might suggest he’s better at zone or switching to safety.
While there were some who were not high on this draft class, this was actually a very good one as they got great depth, versatility, and more weapons. However, none of these players have taken the field, so to even give a grade would be unfair as it could turn out to be an amazing one or even possibly the worst. Just wait and see, but the thought process with this draft cannot be argued with.
Comments