The Washington Commanders selected Percy Butler (Safety) out of Louisiana at No. 113 on day 3 of the 2022 NFL draft in Las Vegas.
Butler is a tremendous athlete running a 4.36 40, who will instantly replace Deshazor Everett, being much better in pass coverage, and help on special teams his rookie year backing up Bobby McCain.
Pro Football Talk analyst Chris Simms praised Butler before the draft, and literally as soon as Washington selected him.
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
Troy Apke has been the gunner, playing mostly special teams. It could also be the case that the defensive coaches may be looking to replace Apke as well. Apke was converted to cornerback last season.
Butler was second-team All-Sun Belt Conference his senior season of 2021, accumulating 61 tackles, six for loss, four pass breakups, one blocked kick in 12 games.
I just spoke with new Commanders safety Percy Butler. Said Washington kept in touch throughout the process so he was NOT surprised by this pick. Thinks he can help quickly in coverage and special teams. "Nobody matches my speed. I run fast and I play fast."
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) April 30, 2022
Well, the young man certainly possesses a great deal of confidence.