The Washington Commanders entered the 2022 NFL Draft with only six picks. However, they made it a goal to add picks in the middle rounds. They traded the 11th overall pick to the New Orleans Saints for the 16th, 98th, and 120th picks. The Commanders then traded picks 120 and 189 to the Carolina Panthers for picks 144 and 149. After making multiple trades during the draft, Washington finished with eight selections. They made five on offense and three on defense.
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Draft Recaps.
Best Pick: Jahan Dotson (Round 1, Pick 16)
After trading back with the Saints, the Commanders get Carson Wentz a new weapon. Last year, Curtis Samuel struggled to stay healthy in his first year in Washington. Terry McLaurin is a star, but he is up for a massive extension. Last year’s third-round pick, Dyami Brown, had some good moments but didn’t do enough to lock up a starting role. Dotson was one of the better wide receivers last season despite inconsistent quarterback play at Penn State. While the fans aren’t happy the Commanders passed on Kyle Hamilton, Dotson will play a critical role for the offense in 2022 and beyond.
Grade: B+
For more on Dotson, check out our scouting report on him.
Worst Pick: Brian Robinson (Round 3, Pick 98)
The Commanders did their homework on running backs during the pre-draft process. It was clear they wanted to add a running back during the draft. However, taking one in the third round was unnecessary. Robinson likely would have made it to Washington’s next draft pick 15 spots later. Even if he didn’t, Isaiah Spiller didn’t get selected until pick 123. Instead, the Commanders could have selected wide receiver David Bell, edge rusher Myjai Sanders, linebacker Leo Chenal, or cornerback Coby Bryant with the 98th pick. All four went off the board in the next 11 picks after Washington. Robinson is a solid addition and will help lighten the workload on Antonio Gibson, but Washington drafted him too early.
Grade: C-
For more on Dotson, check out our scouting report on him.
Sleeper Pick: Cole Turner (Round 5, Pick 149)
Tight end was an under-the-radar need for the Commanders. Logan Thomas is coming off a torn ACL and might not be ready for the start of the season. Ricky Seals-Jones signed with the New York Giants in free agency, leaving John Bates as the only known tight end on the roster. Turner is one of the worst blocking tight ends this year. However, he won’t get asked to block in Washington. Turner will play the F tight end and move all over the field. He will be a go-to weapon in the red zone, especially when matched up against smaller defensive backs. Grabbing Turner in the fifth round isn’t a flashy move but a sneaky one that will provide Wentz with another needed weapon.
Grade: A
Summary
Overall, Washington had an intriguing draft. They added weapons around Wentz. However, they waited to fill their needs in the secondary. Percy Butler was a solid fourth-round pick but lacks upside. They also waited until their last pick to add a cornerback. If Dotson, Turner, and Phidarian Mathis make an impact early in their rookie seasons, Washington had a solid draft class. However, Spending a fifth-round pick on Sam Howell was a good value, but it could also undermine Wentz. This draft class has a lot of unknown surrounding them. Only time will tell if they made the right moves or not.
Grade: C+
Check us out on our socials:
Twitter: @PTSTNews and @TalkPrimeTime
Facebook Page: Prime Time Sports Talk
Join our Facebook Group: Prime Time Sports Talk
Instagram: @primetimesportstalk
Follow Mike Fanelli on Twitter @Mike_NFL2
Main Image Credit: Embed from Getty Images
