The Commanders entered the NFL draft needing and wanting a wide receiver. At No. 11 overall, Chris Olave — who had been linked to Washington throughout the pre-draft process — was on the board. However, the Commanders agreed to a trade with the Saints and moved back to No. 16, adding the No. 98 and No. 120 overall selections.

Washington selected Dotson at No. 16. Some will say he was over-drafted; however, those close to the team say he was always among the top four receivers on the team’s internal board. If he’s your guy, you draft him. You aren’t concerned with where the Los Angeles Rams have Dotson on their board.

Dotson is an electric player who can play inside or outside. He is also an excellent punt returner. Dotson will likely play the slot for Washington. The Commanders moved back, got one of their WR targets, and added two picks. That’s a win.

Grade: B+

This pick made sense. However, it’s difficult to give Washington a passing grade here because it created a lack of depth. The Commanders allowed Tim Settle to leave in free agency and released Matt Ioannidis shortly after. Look, we know Ioannidis had some issues with the defensive line coaching, but why not release him much earlier in free agency? And Settle, the Commanders handling of this was disastrous.

Mathis is a good player. In the first extensive playing time of his career last season, he excelled, recording nine sacks. But was he a second-round pick? Sure, Mathis will play in 2022, but you are using a premium pick on a player who will not start in an important year for the franchise. This is less of a knock on the player, but more about the team’s handling of the position.

Grade: C-

 

The Commanders wanted to draft a running back. They wanted a power back who could excel in short yardage. Robinson is that and more. Robinson has outstanding size and has good speed. No one is catching him from behind. Robinson will run you over. He will add an element Washington sorely lacked in 2021.

Was he drafted too high? I don’t think so. And he is going to play more than you think as a rookie.

Grade: B

Many fans hadn’t heard of Percy Butler before Saturday. I give you two tweets, explaining Butler’s talent and versatility.

The @Commanders got the best pure free safety in the nfl draft in Percy Butler. Dude has tremendous range in center field. He is very good in all areas of coverage. Let alone he has 3 rockets up his butt and can fly. He is not all coverage he is a very good tackler too.

— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) April 30, 2022

#Commanders fans, there was a good chance Percy Butler would go on Friday night. Awesome value here.

The best special teams DB prospect in the 2022 draft, he can play both safety spots too. Versatility and plug and play defender. Congrats @pbutler16x!! #NFLDraft https://t.co/1lGtnf4XQM

— Eric Galko (@EricGalko) April 30, 2022

Considering his ability on special teams, versatility on defense, athletic profile and value, this is an outstanding pick.

Grade: A-

rade: A-

Many believed Sam Howell would go in the first round. No one thought he’d fall out of the second round. Everyone was shocked when Howell was available with the first selection in the fifth round. This is unbelievable value for the Commanders.

There is a lot to like about Howell. He has a strong arm, he is accurate and is also a terrific athlete. He’s not a perfect prospect, but the tools are there for a future starter. A three-year starter at UNC, some last year believed Howell would be a contender for the top overall pick in 2022.

Tremendous pick.

Grade: A

Tight end was a sneaky underrated need for Washington. Yes, Logan Thomas is fantastic, but he is also coming off knee surgery in December and the Commanders will not rush him back. John Bates proved he could play in 2021, but beyond that it is only inexperienced and untested Sammis Reyes.

Turner isn’t a blocker. However, he is a fantastic receiver who can help Washington immediately in the red zone. He gets separations with his size and is someone who could play early. There are no guarantees with Turner, but there is a lot to like.

Grade: B

Paul is a four-year starter that started multiple games at three different positions. Another player who fits Rivera’s mold for experience and position flex. Smith played some right tackle and both guard spots in college. At 6-foot-4, 323 pounds, he projects as a guard in the NFL.

If Paul doesn’t even take a snap this season, he is still a nice developmental prospect for offensive line coach John Matsko, who is one of the best in the league.

Grade: B

Another “older” player with plenty of experience. Holmes is a physical corner with a nice athletic profile. Washington has a need for depth at corner, giving Holmes a chance to make the roster as a rookie. He will have to earn his roster spot on special teams.

Grade: C+