Thursday, April 27, the Washington Commanders are scheduled to select at the No. 16 position in the NFL Draft.
In the Super Bowl era (1966-2022 seasons), Washington has surprisingly only drafted in the No. 16 position twice.
It is much too early to be definitive, so one shouldn’t make any broad pronouncements about last year’s first-round No. 16 selection, Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson.
The first player Washington took at No. 16 in the Super Bowl era is still with Washington as well. Although, he is now assistant defensive line coach Ryan Kerrigan.
Kerrigan was drafted at the No. 16 spot in the 2011 NFL Draft, an edge rusher out of Purdue. Kerrigan was a great player for Washington, accumulating a very impressive 95.5 quarterback sacks.
In his ten seasons with the Burgundy and Gold, Kerrigan also impressively intercepted three passes, returning all three for touchdowns. A bruising, physical player, Kerrigan remained healthy and dependable, playing in all 16 games for his first eight seasons.
Kerrigan finished his career with 149 QB hits and 120 tackles for a loss, including 18 in 2016, which was good enough to lead the NFL.
Dotson caught two touchdown passes in his first career game, including the game-winner against the Jaguars. He followed up with another touchdown reception in Week 2 vs Detroit. He was off to a magnificent start; however, injuries forced Dotson to miss five games and be limited in a couple of others. He concluded the season with 35 receptions for 523 yards (14.9 YPR) and 7 touchdown receptions.
Dotson displayed enough ability that the organization has voiced their encouraged hope for his future development for the Commanders, believing he was indeed a good selection at No. 16 in 2022.