Washington head coach Ron Rivera sat down with Julie Donaldson, to discuss the Commanders 2022 NFL draft class this week.
Here are some thoughts from Coach Ron:
“This year one of the best parts of the draft for me was getting to meet Jahan’s (Dotson) parents. Knowing his mother is going through some struggles right now with her health. Getting to know them briefly. But then watching them, the pride they had when he got up there for his press conference. I thought that was neat, I really did.”
“We felt trading backwards, Jahan would be there. He is a guy we really do believe is a fit for us. A plug and fit guy. He is versatile, has a tremendous catch radius. Is going to line up in different spots for us and has some special teams value in returning as well. He is a pro already. He understands what he needs to do and how to do it.”
Rivera then told of how Washington sent six guys to Dotson’s Pro Day and therefore they didn’t feel the need to bring him to Ashburn for one of their 30 visits.
“We reached out to a couple of the coaches there (Alabama). Mathis (2nd round) is a very selfless guy, very unselfish, willing to do the dirty work. One thing he did very well was he held the point of attack, absorbed the double team, allowed the linebackers to roam and be productive.”
“When you are talking best player available I think Robinson was one of the guys that was there at the top for us (3rd round). We really like his ball security, his yards after contact. So this is a guy that has tremendous power and strength. He will add very nicely to what we have in Antonio Gibson, a one-two punch.”
Rivera stated Percy Butler (4th round) will be part of their Buffalo and nickel packages, reminding Julie that 53% of the defensive snaps last year involved 3 safeties. Rivera said we could most likely see Butler at more than one position during the season.
Regarding drafting Sam Howell in the 5th round, Rivera quickly asserted there will be people making more out of it than there actually is. Rivera insisted he likes Wentz and likes Heinicke as the backup next season. He continued, that this season Howell will be a developmental guy, with the opportunity to learn from those around him, with no pressure on him.
Rivera likes how 6th round pick Cole Turner goes up and gets the football, but did quickly add, he needs to work on his blocking. He views Turner as “an intriguing piece for us.”
Chris Paul’s position flex is something Rivera really likes, having played both guard and tackle, he can come here and without pressure to start, learn both positions well.
The other 7th round pick Christian Holmes, Rivera said has physicality, some “man skills” and Rivera likes the speed at which he plays the game.