The Washington Commanders entered the 2022 NFL draft with just six selections. General manager Martin Mayhew told the media that the Commanders would leave the draft with more picks in his pre-draft press conference.
Mayhew was right as Washington made the first big trade of the draft last week, moving down five spots in the first round and adding third- and fourth-round selections.
The Commanders chose Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson with their first pick.
While some criticized Washington’s draft, others praised the Commanders for adding good players in every round. Chad Reuter, a draft analyst for NFL.com, praised three of Washington’s selections.
Reuter named his three favorite players selected in each round. Reuter chose three Commanders, beginning in the fourth round with Louisiana safety Percy Butler.
Two years ago, Washington found a seventh-round steal in Kamren Curl — but this year, the Commanders couldn’t wait quite that long to secure a complementary free safety. Butler’s speed and hard-hitting attitude allow him to cover a lot of ground and lay the wood when he arrives. This guy will be making plays as a rookie.
The Commanders would be elated if Butler turned into Kam Curl.
In the fifth round, the next Washington selection Reuter loved was quarterback Sam Howell.
The Commanders’ selection of Howell after trading for veteran Carson Wentz earlier this offseason reminded me of the Seahawks drafting Russell Wilson in the third round in 2012 after signing veteran Matt Flynn. We all know what happened there. Howell’s delivery, strong arm, willingness to run if needed and on-field leadership also remind me of Wilson. The former North Carolina star could very well be starting for the Commanders in 2023 — or sooner.
Everyone wants Carson Wentz to succeed. Well, not everyone but head coach Ron Rivera and Washington fans certainly hope the former Eagle and Colt turns his career around, but if he doesn’t, watch out for Howell. He can play.
Finally, Reuter also loved one of Washington’s seventh-round selections in Tulsa OL Chris Paul.
Paul started at RT the past two seasons at Tulsa because he was their best option, but he served as the team’s right guard in 2018 and left guard 2019, using his lower-body power, length and aggressive nature to move people. I loved this pick for Washington immediately; the Commanders will appreciate his lunch-pail effort and pass protection skills inside.
There is a lot of optimism surrounding Paul. Washington offensive line coach John Matsko is one of the best in the NFL and Paul’s combination of talent, versatility and nastiness could prove to be quite the find for the Commanders.