Entering the 2021 NFL Draft, the Washington Football Team had several holes to address. Their top need was at quarterback. Despite adding Ryan Fitzpatrick in free agency, Washington doesn’t have their franchise quarterback on the roster. However, after watching the Chicago Bears trade up for Justin Fields and the New England Patriots select Mac Jones, Washington will have to wait another year to add their franchise quarterback. Washington did, however, make a trade, sending the Philadelphia Eagles a 2022 fifth-round pick for a sixth and seventh-round pick this year.
Make sure to check out all of our 2021 NFL Draft Team Recaps.
Best Pick: Samuel Cosmi (Round 2, Pick 51)
Other than the quarterback position, left tackle was Washington’s top need on offense. After passing on Christian Darrisaw in the first round, Washington grabbed the former Longhorn with their first pick on day two. Cosmi spent the past couple of seasons starting for the Longhorns, including at left tackle last season. He is a bit raw but has tremendous upside. With Cornelius Lucas entering a contract year, Washington had to find their long-term replacement at left tackle. Expect Cosmi to challenge Lucas for the starting spot as a rookie but take over as the full-time starting left tackle in 2022.
Grade: A
For more on Cosmi, check out our scouting report on him here.
Worst Pick: John Bates (Round 4, Pick 124)
Washington didn’t have a critical need at tight end as Logan Thomas had a breakout season in 2020. However, the depth behind him is underwhelming, and Thomas is entering a contract year. Taking a tight end in the fourth round was the right decision. However, Washington took the wrong tight end. Entering the draft, many scouts believed Miami’s Brevin Jordan would be the third tight end selected. Instead, he lasted till the fifth round. Bates had 34 catches over his final two seasons at Boise State, while Jordan had 38 last season at Miami. Washington passed on a potential long-term starter for a tight end with 47 career catches.
Grade: D
Sleeper Pick: Dyami Brown (Round 3, Pick 82)
After adding Curtis Samuel and Adam Humphries in free agency, Washington didn’t need to take a wide receiver Friday night. However, Brown fell right into their lap, and Washington could pass him up. Brown has the speed to take the top off the defense and fits what Washington wants on offense: speed and more speed. He ran a 4.45 40 time at his pro day, and the speed shows up on the field. Washington had one wide receiver they could count on last year in Terry McLaurin. However, after the additions of Brown and Samuel, Washington has one of the better young wide receiver trios in the league.
Grade: A-
For more on Brown, check out our scouting report on him here.
Summary
Overall, Washington left the draft without filling their top need at quarterback. However, fans shouldn’t be surprised after Washington signed Fitzpatrick in free agency while re-signing Kyle Allen and Taylor Heinicke. Outside of the quarterback position, Washington did a great job filling their needs while taking the best player available on their draft board. Of their rookies, Jamin Davis is the only likely day one starter. However, expect Cosmi, Brown, Benjamin St-Juste, and Darrick Forrest to play critical roles as rookies.
Overall Grade: A-
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