Who did the Washington Commanders draft in 2022?
After days of speculation, the 2022 NFL Draft finally came, and the Washington Commanders now have eight talents on their roster. This is the third time the team has players under Ron Rivera as the head coach.
Round 1, Pick 16: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
Quick facts
Age: 22
Height: 5ft 11 in
Position: wide receiver
Contract: 4 years
Average annual salary: $3,762,090
With the 16th Pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Commanders seem to have added a real weapon to their offense by acquiring the services of Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson. Having raised his Pro Football Focus grades from 60.2 to 87.5 by the time of his graduation, Jahan's improved and impressive performance during his time at Penn State College speaks for itself.
Jahan is not a tackle-breaker, and his marginal strength will likely be more noticeable against NFL defenders. Of course, his ball skills, route instincts, and dynamic speed will definitely impact the NFL.
Round 2, Pick 47: Phidarian Mathis, DT, Alabama
Quick facts
Age: 24
Height: 6 ft 4 in
Position: Defensive tackle
Contract: 4 years
Average annual salary: $1,876,593
Another of Alabama's defensive lineman joins the Washington Commanders here. Phidarian Mathis was one of the Crimson Tide defense talents that allowed just 304.1 yards per game. The star is known for his size and length, with his arm measuring about 36 inches. With a knack for playing at three-technique in various fronts, the star brings a lot of versatility to the defense line.
Round 3, Pick 98: Brian Robinson Jr., RB, Alabama
Quick facts
Age: 23
Height: 6 ft 1 in
Position: Running back
Contract: 4 years
Average annual salary: $1,261,227
With the No. 98 overall pick in the 2022 draft, the Commanders strengthened their running back unit by hiring the services of Alabama's Brian Robinson. His breakthrough for the giant Crimson Tide came in 2021, where he notched 14 touchdowns, covered 1,343 yards, and carried the ball 271 times as Alabama romped to the national championship. Clearly, Robinson comes with a potent mix of speed and strength. At 6 ft 4 in and 310 pounds, he possesses a linebacker-like physique that allows him to cause trouble to any defense.
Round 4, Pick 113: Percy Butler, S, Louisiana
Quick facts
Age: 22
Height: 6 ft
Position: Safety
Contract: 4 years
Average annual salary: $1,112,254
Here he is, the Louisiana defensive back, Percy Butlers, coming with a wealth of talent needed to bolster the Washington Commanders' secondary. At 6 ft and 190 pounds, Butler comes with a good size which renders him a good fit for the team. As a junior, he stood out for the Ragin' Cajuns with an All-Sun Belt Honorable Mention. His ascending instincts and linear speed are no doubt great for development safety.
Round 5, Pick 149: Cole Turner, TE, Nevada
Quick facts
Age: 22
Height: 6 ft 6 in
Position: Tight end
Contract: 4 years
Average annual salary: $999,720
The Commanders used their first-round selection on Jahan Dotson (wide receiver), but the team has now brought in Nevada tight end Cole Turner. Cole is a tall pass catcher with a height that enables him to box out smaller defensive backs. Having moved to tight end in 2020, Cole has never looked back. By receiving nine touchdowns in nine starts that year, he was Nevada's joint leader then. Yes, Cole may not provide much when it comes to blocking, but he certainly provides value as a seam and red-zone threat.
Round 5, Pick 144: Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
Quick facts
Age: 21
Height: 6 ft 1 in
Position: quarterback
Contract: 4 years
Average annual salary: $1,005,400
While the Commanders have capital (in terms of both draft picks and finances) tied up in Carson Wentz, Sam Howell was perhaps too good to ignore. Yes, by taking the North Carolina quarterback, the team has certainly strengthened its offense. Having set a state record in North Carolina for total offensive yards (17,036), Sam was one of the most touted prospects coming out of high school. He became a starter right away for the Tar Heels when he landed in Chapel Hill.
Round 7, Pick 230: Chris Paul, OT, Tulsa
Quick facts
Age: 23
Height: 6 ft 4 in
Position: Offensive tackle
Contract: 4 years
Average annual salary: $941,111
Before the draft, it had been rumored that Tusla's offensive tackle, Christ Paul, would not go past Round 4. Still here at pick 230, the Commanders land a talent that could help address their need. By earning All-conference honors on ten starts, Chris ended his college career in style. While playing for Tusla, he would fill in at both right and left tackle; hence, he offers versatility that the Commanders need for their frontline.
Round 7, Pick 240: Christian Holmes, CB, Oklahoma State
Quick facts
Age: 24
Height: 6 ft 1 in
Position: Cornerback
Contract: 4 years
Average annual salary: $938,470
Although the Washington Commanders had added safety Percy to their ranks earlier, they surprisingly went to recruit Oklahoma State cornerback Cristian Holmes. Christian kicks-tarted his career at Missouri before transferring to Oklahoma, where he played his last two seasons. He logged three interceptions and 30 pass breakups in 60 games for both the Cowboys and the Tigers. Finishing the 2021 season with 39 tackles, Christian ended his stint for Oklahoma State on a high, and the Commanders may be lucky to have drafted a player of his quality.
The Commanders' Eight 2022 Draft Picks You Should Know
With new talents already signed, the Commanders have been able to fill some needs. Here is a deeper look at the NFL team's eight-man draft class. Interested of the Washington Commanders schedule? Have a look here!
Author: Dan Anderson