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The Washington Commanders selected former Louisiana safety Percy Butler in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft to fill a hybrid role in the secondary. Not only could Butler play safety, but he could also play the Buffalo nickel position in Jack Del Rio’s defense.
Additionally, Butler was known for his outstanding work on special teams.
What the Commanders didn’t envision in 2022 was second-year safety Darrick Forrest being so good. Washington loved Forrest — a fifth-round pick in 2021 — but after barely playing on defense as a rookie, no one was certain he’d be ready for an expanded role in 2022.
Forrest exceeded all expectations, starting the first two games in place of the injured Kamren Curl. Forrest was so good the Commanders adjusted their secondary and made him a permanent starter. He was outstanding at times, bringing a physical presence to the running game and tying for the team lead with four interceptions.
In the offseason, Washington used a first-round pick on cornerback Emmanuel Forbes and a second-round pick on defensive back Quan Martin. Martin can play all over the secondary, with many envisioning him in the slot as a rookie.
So where does that leave Butler?
Quietly, Butler is having a terrific offseason, standing out in OTAs and in minicamp. Butler had an interception on the final day of minicamp Thursday, leading Sam Fortier of The Washington Post to tweet this:
Percy Butler has had a strong spring https://t.co/IYUZN36h18
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) June 8, 2023
Head coach Ron Rivera mentioned Butler’s name unprompted Thursday when he was asked what to expect from the defense in 2023.
“You see the growth and development, especially out of guys like D-Foe [S Darrick Forrest] and [CB] Benjamin [St-Juste] and those guys in the secondary, they have that much potential for growth,” Rivera said. “You see Percy [Butler] out there and see him running around, and that’s good to see.”
No one asked about Butler. Rivera mentioned him.
If everyone remains healthy, Washington’s secondary has a chance to be really good in 2023. There is finally depth at cornerback with Kendall Fuller, St-Juste, Forbes and Danny Johnson. Martin and Butler can also play cornerback. At safety, there is Curl, Forrest, Butler, Jeremy Reaves and Martin.
Butler is an excellent athlete who plays fast. With one year of NFL experience under his belt, he could be the next Washington defender to enjoy a breakout season.