After the Washington Football Team won the NFC East Division in 2020, the team without a name finished 7-10 last season due to season-ending injuries to key players. Fortunately, the team has a new nickname, which is the Washington Commanders. Also, the team had eight picks in the NFL Draft which will be used to address the lack of depth.
Round 1, Pick 16: Jahan Dotson - WR - Penn State. 5'11", 178 lbs (91 receptions, 1,182 receiving yards, 104 punt return yards).
The Commanders desperately needed to add a receiver to pair with Terry McLaurin. Matter of fact, the second-leading receiver for Washington last season was a running back. That will not be the case for this upcoming season because Dotson can line up on the outside or in the slot. Dotson will be able to take advantage of the double coverage all season long.
Round 2, Pick 15: Phidarian Mathis - DT - Alabama. 6'4", 310 lbs (53 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, 2 pass break-ups).
Mathis consistently made plays last year in college. He will add depth at defensive tackle for this season. This team seems to love drafting defensive tackles from Alabama because their two starting tackles also went to Alabama. However, they do not like each other.
Round 3, Pick 34: Brian Robinson - RB - Alabama. 6'2", 225 lbs (1,343 rushing yds, 14 TD, 296 rec yds, 2 rec TD).
Robinson runs with power and will be the perfect complement with starting RB Antonio Gibson. The Commanders really needed to add another running back because the second-leading rusher for Washington last season was QB Taylor Heinicke.
Round 4, Pick 8: Percy Butler - S - Louisiana. 6'0", 194 lbs (61 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 4 pass break-ups, 1 blocked kick).
Butler adds depth to the secondary for Washington, but his play on special teams will help out immensely because he has the ability to block kicks from the edge.
Round 5, Pick 1: Sam Howell - QB - North Carolina. 6'1", 218 lbs (3,056 passing yds, 24 TD, 9 INT, 828 rushing yds, 11 TD rushing).
Howell is a dual-threat QB that will be given time to develop after the Commanders traded for Carson Wentz.
Round 5, Pick 6: Cole Turner - TE - Nevada. 6'6", 246 lbs (62 rec, 677 rec yards, 10 TD).
Turner is a pass-receiving TE that will help improve the Commanders passing game in the end zone. He should see plenty of time along with Logan Thomas in 2 TE offensive sets.
Round 7, Pick 9: Chris Paul - G - Tulsa. 6'4", 323 lbs.
Paul started at left tackle and at right tackle during his college career. He will be given time to develop at guard.
Round 7, Pick 19: Christian Holmes - CB - Oklahoma State. 6'0", 201 lbs (1 INT, 7 pass break-ups).
Holmes adds depth to the secondary at cornerback.
The Commanders really had a good draft. Dotson will start right away while Mathis, Robinson, and Turner should see plenty of playing time as well. The offense really needed some help, and Washington addressed these issues. Grade: B+.
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