The Washington Commanders have a new quarterback, a new name, and still possess a haul of potential picks in the 2022 NFL Draft. After trading for Carson Wentz, where do the Commanders currently sit in the draft? And what positions could they target with each of their 2022 NFL Draft picks?
Washington Commanders draft picks in 2022
- Round 1 | Pick 16 (from NO)
Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State - Round 2 | Pick 47 (from IND)
Phidarian Mathis, DT, Alabama - Round 3 | Pick 98 (from NO)
Brian Robinson Jr., RB, Alabama - Round 4 | Pick 112
Percy Butler, S, Louisiana - Round 5 | Pick 144 (from JAX via CAR)
Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina - Round 5 | Pick 149 (from CAR)
Cole Turner, TE, Nevada - Round 7 | Pick 230
Chris Paul, OT, Tulsa - Round 7 | Pick 240 (from PHI via IND)
Christian Holmes, CB, Oklahoma State
It may be a bleak affair if you’re a Commanders fan and are looking for action in the 2022 NFL Draft. Currently, after trading away their third-round pick to secure Wentz, the Commanders are left with just five picks this year.
Even though Washington stood in a draft-changing position at pick No. 11, they were content to move down. The Commanders could’ve looked long-term and selected a quarterback with the 11th pick. Or they could’ve secured a number of other positional needs, allowing quarterbacks to slip even further or prompt teams to attempt to trade up.
Instead, Washington traded down with the New Orleans Saints, allowing NO to grab Chris Olave at pick No. 11. Washington subsequently drafted a far inferior Big Ten receiver in Penn State WR Jahan Dotson at No. 16. In total, Washington traded pick No. 11 (Olave) for pick Nos. 16 (Dotson), No. 98, and No. 120 on draft day.
Washington Commanders 2022 NFL Draft needs
Even though they traded for Wentz, the likelihood that he is the long-term solution to their quarterback quandary is slim. In fact, Wentz may just be a stopgap to a rookie taking the reigns over as early as the 2022 season. After all, the third-round pick they traded in the 2023 NFL Draft becomes a second-round pick if Wentz crosses a snap threshold.
Could Wentz really be the answer for the 2022 season as they break in a new quarterback? And could that quarterback be selected with the 11th pick?
As likely as that could be, the Commanders also have a few other needs on an otherwise-stacked roster. Quarterback is a big need, but replacing some losses on offense is also interesting given their current capital. An offensive guard could be a viable option early, while securing one of the draft’s top options at safety with pick No. 11 is also in the cards.
Even with Wentz on the roster, the Commanders’ current draft needs are:
- Quarterback
- Tight End
- Offensive Guard
- Safety
- Offensive Tackle