ESPN analyst examines Commanders 2023 draft selections

Analysis of each of Washington’s seven selections.

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John Keim sat down and chatted with ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid recently.

Reid gave his thoughts on the Commanders’ recent draft in how it might help their personnel.

1st Round (16 overall) Emmanuel Forbes

“We knew they had to corner, somehow, someway and they addressed it really early. I think they really needed to get a player who could get them some turnovers because that’s what they lacked last year. You know walking through the door Forbes is going to help you with your turnover production.”

2nd Round (47 overall) Jartavius (Quan) Martin

“I thought he was a home run selection for them. He was one of my favorite prospects because he satisfies so many needs in a secondary… so many hats he can wear.”

3rd Round (97 overall) Ricky Stromberg

“He has a ton of experience; a five-year player at Arkansas. If it were me, I’d put him out there Week 1 as the starter, I think that highly of him.”

4th Round (118 overall) Braeden Daniels

“I think his athleticism can be on display. I thought he was more consistent at guard. His tape was up and down at tackle.

5th Round (137 overall) K.J. Henry

“A young developmental piece that doesn’t have a super-high ceiling but can come in and play 10 to 12 reps a game that you feel good about. I think he can help you walking through the door.”

6th Round (193 overall) Chris Rodriguez Jr

“A bigger back you can run between the tackles. You don’t really want to run him on the perimeter a ton because he is more of that ‘downhill get those tough yards’ type of player.”

7th Round (233 overall) Andre Jones

“A true pass rusher which is something they need. You’re just taking a flyer on players that late. Athletic, you are hoping you can get something out of them. Maybe he is a Practice Squad guy where you can hope to stash and develop him.”

How has the Commanders 2020 draft class developed?

How would you judge Washington’s 2020 NFL draft class right now?

How many times over the years have you heard, “You can’t grade a draft until you have at least three seasons of play?”

While the 2020 Washington NFL draft has brought some disappointment, this draft by no means can be called a dud or unproductive.

Yes, Antonio Gandy-Golden (4th round) is already out of the NFL, and yes, Keith Ismael (5th round) did not last long in the Burgundy and Gold.

Yes, Chase Young (1st round) has produced only 9 sacks in three seasons and yes, he was the overall second selection in the entire draft.

Yes, Saahdiq Charles (4th round) has only played in 24 games in three seasons. Yet, he has shown enough that head coach Ron Rivera still believes he and Chris Paul will battle for the starting left guard spot this fall.

Also encouraging is third-round selection, Antonio Gibson. Gibson from Memphis has rushed for 2,378 yards and caught 124 receptions for 894 yards. With the Commanders releasing J.D. McKissic, look for new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy to readily use Gibson as the third-down back, getting the ball to him in space.

Khaleke Hudson (5th round, 162 overall) has been steady on special teams and showed in the season finale last season he can play more at linebacker if needed.

Seventh-round choices Kamren Curl and James Smith-Williams have been pleasant surprises who continue to contribute on defense. How often does a team have not one but two successful draft choices in the final round?

Both Curl and Smith-Williams are entering their final contract year with the Commanders. With these two being productive and reliable, the Commanders will need to get both re-signed for the 2024 season and beyond.

Who would have thought immediately after the 2020 draft, that after three seasons of play, not one but both seventh-round draft choices would be a top priority for the Commanders to resign for 2024?

Not a single one of us.

What does Scot McCloughan think of the Commanders 2023 draft class?

McCloughan is a fan of Sam Howell and loved Washington’s 2023 draft. Had Forbes over Gonzalez and is a huge Chris Rodriguez Jr. fan.

Former Washington Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan provided his opinion Monday regarding the Commanders’ 2023 draft.

McCloughan runs a scouting service and is a resource for NFL teams. He still, to some degree, follows Washington, saying he pulls for them and still sees the NFC East as a fun, competitive division.

A guest on the “Al Galdi Podcast” Monday, McCloughan expressed he really liked Sam Howell in last year’s draft, though Howell lasted until the 5th round. He “proved he would compete and would not back down (in his last year at North Carolina), and I think that shows what you want in a franchise quarterback,” declared McCloughan.

Galdi then inquired of McCloughan’s analysis of each of the Commanders’ draft picks in April’s draft.

2023 Commanders offseason calendar taking shape

The offseason schedule is here.

The voluntary offseason workout programs for 2023 are now on the calendar for NFL teams.

The Commanders’ dates were made public by the NFL Friday, along with the other NFL franchises.

First Day: April 17

OTA Offseason Workouts: May 23-25, May 30-June 1, June 13

Mandatory Minicamp: June 6-8

Here is a flashback to the 2022 Rookie Minicamp:

Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the nine-week period will be limited early to individual strength and conditioning, rehabilitation and meetings.

Entering the second phase of three weeks, teams are permitted on-field activities as an offense and defense, in addition to individual and group drills and instruction. However, those team situations must be conducted as a walk-through, strictly prohibiting any live contact.  You may recall Warren Sapp was an on-field guest at the 2022 minicamp.

The final phase permits a maximum of 10 days of organized team activities (OTAs). Teams often break down into 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills, again strictly prohibiting contact.

The NFL also permits a team to conduct one mandatory minicamp for its veteran players and new head coaches to hold an additional veteran minicamp.

 

Commanders assign jersey numbers for newly signed players

What number will Jacoby Brissett wear in 2023?

Wednesday, the Commanders announced they have been assigning jersey numbers to their newest free-agent additions to the team.

Former Cleveland quarterback Jacoby Brissett has been given number 12. It is the first time for him to be “12” in his NFL career. He wore “7” in Cleveland in 2022. The last Washington players to wear “12” were Jake Fromm (2022) and Chris Blewitt (2021).

Offensive G/T Andrew Wylie wore “77” for the Chiefs and will don “71” as a Commander. This number became available when Wes Schweitzer (2020-22) departed as a free agent to the NY Jets.

Nick Gates will be “63” for the Commanders after wearing “65” for the NY Giants. Wes Martin briefly was “63” in 2022. Raleigh McKenzie (1985-94) was the most successful “63” in Redskins history.

Linebacker Cody Barton will continue to wear “57” for Washington, as he did for Seattle. Nick Sundberg (2010-20), Ken Harvey (1994-98), and Rich Milot (1979-87) succeeded in wearing “57” for the Burgundy and Gold.

Cameron Dantzler, Sr becomes the next “3” for Washington, following after William Jackson III. The defensive back from the Vikings also wore “3” and “27” while in Minnesota.

Former Chiefs wide receiver Marcus Kemp will be wearing “19” for Washington. Kemp wore “19” on his first stint with the Chiefs (2017-20). He also briefly wore “84” for Washington in 2022, but did not appear in a regular season game.

Lastly, defensive tackle Abdullah Anderson becomes the next “92” for Washington. Daniel Wise (2021-22) last wore “92”. Some will have nightmares at the memory of Albert Haynesworth (2009-10) in a “92” jersey. Others may recall more favorably, Chris Baker (2012-16) and Demetric Evans (2004-08).

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Shooter of Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. sentenced

The rookie running back was shot on Aug. 28 and made an amazing recovery to play in 12 games, rushing for 707 yards.

The teen who shot Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. on Aug. 28, 2022, has been sentenced in a court of law.

The 15-year-old received the maximum sentence for a minor, and he will be in custody until he turns 21.

Prosecutors had earlier asked that the teenage suspect be committed to a youth rehabilitation facility.

Robinson was shot on Aug. 28 after being threatened by two young males in what appeared to be a carjacking attempt.

Robinson’s Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat was parked in the 1000 block of H Street Northeast when the two young males attempted to rob Robinson of his car at 5:28 p.m. The two suspects ran from the scene, and officers recovered a firearm nearby.

Two arrests had been made in November of 17 and 15-year-old males. In January, the 15-year-old plead guilty to shooting Robinson. He also plead guilty to the October fatal shooting of 15-year-old Andre Robertson.

Robinson (23) had surgery, recovered nicely, was able to play in 12 games, starting nine during the 2022 regular season. He rushed for 797 yards on 205 carries (3.9 YPC) and two touchdowns. He also caught nine passes for 60 yards and one touchdown. Robinson was drafted in the third round (98 overall) in the 2022 NFL draft.

 

Watch some of Jahan Dotson’s best plays in 2022

Jahan Dotson had some highlight-reel plays as a rookie. What was your favorite?

Trading back from No. 11 to No. 16 the Commanders surprised many in drafting Penn State rookie wide receiver Jahan Dotson in the 2022 NFL Draft.

There was much criticism that the Commanders had reached on Dotson, many believing he could have been drafted later in the round, some even suggested his value was as late as early in the second round.

However, in training camp Logan Paulsen had already seen enough that he declared Dotson already the best route runner of the receivers group.

Dotson exploded out of the starting blocks when on opening day, he caught two touchdown passes in his first NFL game, including the game-winner against the Jaguars.

The second week saw Dotson collect another touchdown pass in Detroit. After two games, the rookie already had achieved three touchdown receptions.

Against the Cowboys in Dallas, Dotson caught his fourth touchdown pass of the season in only five games. However, he pulled a muscle and would miss five games, which really hurt the passing offense.

Upon his return, he struggled, only collecting two receptions in his first three games back for a mere 27 yards against the Eagles, Texans and Falcons.

Dotson however, finished his rookie campaign strongly. Against the Giants in New York there were five receptions (one touchdown). At home against the Giants he collected four more receptions including a touchdown. Six receptions (one touchdown) came against the 49ers. Three Dotson receptions came in both final home games against the Browns and Cowboys.

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Chase Young voted as NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year

Chase Young has been voted in as the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year for the 2020 season, becoming Washington’s first player to do so.

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It’s been a long-awaited celebration for Washington fans, but the announcement has finally come: Chase Young is your 2020 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

After a stellar first year in the league where he made good on all of his sky-high expectations as the No. 2 overall pick, Young has been voted as the top player among all defensive rookies, becoming the first DROY in Washington history.

Young finished his rookie season second on the team in sacks with 7.5, but he also racked up 12 QB hits, 10 tackles for loss, 4 batted passes, 4 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recovers, and 1 touchdown on the year. He more than held his own as the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, and he became an instant fan favorite, gaining a major leadership role in the locker room and being voted as a team captain near the end of the season.

Young said earlier this week that he has had the DROY award on his bucket list ever since seeing former college teammate Nick Bosa win it a year ago, and he made good on that this weekend. We are excited to see him continue to check of things on his list in the coming years, watching as he eventually becomes one of the greats to play in a Washington uniform.

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Grading Day: Washington’s final rookie report-cards for 2020 season

Washington had yet another impressive class of rookies who contributed on the field in 2020, and a lot of them received passing grades for the year.

Keeping up with the recent encouraging trend that we’ve seen in Washington over the past several years, there was yet another solid rookie class in 2020 that provided starting-caliber players that contributed a huge role to the burgundy and gold’s eventual playoff berth.

In years past we’ve seen rookies like Terry McLaurin, and Daron Payne, and Jonathan Allen play some big roles in their first year in the NFL, and that trend continued this year with the 2020 class of players that was headlined by a potential Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate.

We may be satisfied with their work, but how excited are we for their futures? Here are our final 2020 rookie grades for Washington.

Chase Young first rookie to win Defensive Player of the Month in Washington

Chase Young was named both Defensive Player of the Month, and Defensive Rookie of the Month for December, adding to an already loaded trophy case.

Talk about a happy holiday season.

News came out on Thursday morning that Washington rookie DE Chase Young had been named both the NFL defensive player of the month and rookie of the month for December, adding two more awards to his trophy case, one that is quickly starting to pick up hardware.

According to The Washington Post‘s Sam Forter, Young is the first player to win the player of the month award in Washington since QB Kirk Cousins did so in 2016, the first to win defensive player of the month since LB London Fletcher in 2012. He was also the first player in franchise history to win player of the month as a rookie.

At this point in the season, Young has all but locked up the Defensive Rookie of the Year award, with his 32 total tackles, 7.5 sacks, 12 QB hits, 4 forced fumbles, 4 batted passes, 3 fumble recoveries, and 1 touchdown. After a relatively slow start to his career, Young has absolutely been a dominant and driving force of the Washington defense over the past couple of months, and his recognition in the NFL is well-deserved. It is clear that the start of a dominant career is underway.

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