It’s been quite an offseason for the Washington Commanders after a relatively dismal 7-10 finish in 2021. They’ll enter 2022 with a new team name, a new quarterback, and eight new draft picks.
After parting ways with Ereck Flowers, Brandon Scherff, and Landon Collins early in the offseason, the Commanders entered the draft with quite a few needs on their roster.
Here’s how they addressed those holes in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Commanders NFL Draft Picks 2022
- Round 1, Pick 16 (16th Overall): Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
- Round 2, Pick 15 (47th Overall): Phidarian Mathis, DT, Alabama
- Round 3, Pick 34 (98th Overall): Brian Robinson, RB, Alabama
- Round 4, Pick 8 (113th Overall): Percy Butler, S, Louisiana
- Round 5, Pick 1 (144th Overall): Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
- Round 5, Pick 6 (149th Overall): Cole Turner, TE, Nevada
- Round 7, Pick 9 (230th Overall): Chris Paul, G, Tulsa
- Round 7, Pick 19 (240th Overall): Christian Holmes, CB, Oklahoma State
Washington used its first-round pick on Jahan Dotson, the talented wide receiver out of Penn State. He joins Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel, addressing a definite need for the third wide receiver on this offense. And I could see him overtaking Samuel for the WR2 spot at some point this season.
The Commanders already had a fairly tough defense, despite a disappointing 2021 season. They were being hyped up as a potential breakout defense led by Chase Young, but injuries and underwhelming play changed that narrative quickly. I still like this defensive unit a lot and Phidarian Mathis, a defensive tackle out of Alabama, was the only draft pick used on that side of the ball over the first two days.
Also out of Alabama, running back Brian Robinson joins Antonio Gibson and JD McKissic to create a talented and crowded backfield. For how well Gibson and McKissic have done over the past couple of seasons, this pick felt like a reach.
Overall, I really didn’t love this draft class for the Commanders. Dotson and Robinson are nice prospects, but both felt like they were taken a bit too early and were not positions they should use those early picks on. Between the Carson Wentz trade and reaching in the draft, I wouldn’t be thrilled by any means if I were a Commanders fan.
Sportsbook Play of the Day
Before placing Washington Commanders NFL bets, you should know that Sports Illustrated Sportsbook has launched in Virginia.
SI boasts a welcome offer for new bettors of to start betting on Washington before the NFL season begins.
Read Richard Janvrin’s SI Sportsbook review for more insight and get your welcome bonus below, or continue reading our Commanders betting tips.
Note: The Commanders NFL Draft predictions below were published before the 2022 NFL Draft.
Pre-Draft Commanders NFL Mock Draft Predictions 2022
- Round 1, Pick 11 (11th Overall): Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
- Round 2, Pick 15 (47th Overall): Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn
- Round 4, Pick 8 (113th Overall): Bailey Zappe, QB, Western Kentucky
- Round 6, Pick 10 (189th Overall): Josh Rivas, G, Kansas State
- Round 7, Pick 9 (230th Overall): Patrick Paul, T, Houston
- Round 7, Pick 19 (240th Overall): Jason Poe, G, Mercer
More Possible Commanders Draft Targets: Charles Cross, T, Mississippi State; Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati; Leo Chenal, LB, Wisconsin; George Pickens, WR, Georgia
Pre-Draft Commanders Team Needs 2022
1. Offensive Line
With the departure of Scherff and Flowers, the Commanders have holes along their offensive line. They did bring in Andrew Norwell, but a blue-chip offensive lineman should be atop Washington’s wishlist.
2. Wide Receiver
Terry McLaurin is an absolute stud, but the Commanders lack any other real weapons in their passing attack. With this draft loaded with Day 2-type receivers, Washington should have plenty of options here.
3. Quarterback
Is Carson Wentz the answer at quarterback? Maybe for the short-term — and that’s a big maybe. But the addition of Wentz doesn’t answer any long-term questions, so quarterback remains a position of need for Washington.
Commanders May Also Consider Drafting: Cornerback, Safety, Linebacker