The first draft for the Washington organization as the Commanders ended with a balance of offensive and defensive picks.
With their first pick, Washington gave the Carson Wentz some young help in the slot.
Penn State’s Jahan Dotson isn’t the biggest but his precise route running and speed that promotes yards after catch is something Washington’s offense sorely needs.
“Dotson, we have really big expectations for him. He’s gonna fit right into what we’re doing offensively,” said Martin Mayhew. (Washington Commanders website)
There wouldn’t be an NFL Draft without the Commanders taking a player from Alabama. Washington selected Phidarian Mathis with their second pick. The depth could provide the Commanders with the flexibility to trade one of their current defensive linemen or decide not to re-sign one after the next season or two.
In the third round, Washington went back to Tuscaloosa when they took running back Brian Robinson Jr.
Perhaps the pick that generated the most talk didn’t happen until the fifth round. That’s when the Commanders took North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell.
“That Sam was sitting there in the fifth round,” said Ron Rivera. “I mean, to me, it really was. And again, we just felt really comfortable, but this is one of those things. And it kind of goes back to the philosophy that if you get an opportunity to draft a quarterback later on, you should always consider that.”
Wentz’ presence will allow Washington to bring Howell along slowly under, what should be, a very team friendly rookie contract.
Full Draft:
Round 1 • Pick 16 (16) • WR Jahan Dotson
Round 2 • Pick 15 (47) • DT Phidarian Mathis
Round 3 • Pick 34 (98) • RB Brian Robinson
Round 4 • Pick 8 (113) • SAF Percy Butler
Round 5 • Pick 1 (144) • QB Sam Howell
Round 5 • Pick 6 (149) • TE Cole Turner
Round 7 • Pick 9 (230) • G Chris Paul
Round 7 • Pick 19 (240) • CB Christian Holmes
