Tag: 2022 Commanders Draft Class

The first Ron Rivera draft pick released by Commanders’ Dan Quinn

Others could soon follow.

On Wednesday, receiver Dax Milne became the first player Dan Quinn released who had been drafted by Ron Rivera.

Milne was actually the last player Rivera drafted in the 2021 class in the 7th round, No. 258 overall.

All eight of the 2020 Rivera draft class have already departed. Chase Young was traded to the 49ers last year. Antonio Gibson, Saahdiq Charles, Khaleke Hudson, Kam Curl, and James Smith-Williams were all allowed to look elsewhere for employment in the off-=season. Antonio Gandy-Golden played a grand total of ten NFL games, and Keith Ismael lasted two seasons in Washington.

Without question, the best player drafted by Rivera was guard Sam Cosmi. Others still around from that 2021 draft class are LB/DE Jamin Davis, CB Benjamin St-Juste, WR Dyami Brown, TE John Bates and S Darrick Forrest. Davis and Brown have largely been disappointments. Davis is being given some reps at defensive end by Quinn. If he does not shine in preseason, it’s very conceivable the 2021 first-round choice will not make the 53-man roster.

Of the 2022 Rivera draft class, only WR Jahan Dotson and RB Brian Robinson are guaranteed for the active roster. Sam Howell was traded, and Phidarian Mathis simply hasn’t been healthy enough to see the field. Percy Butler, Cole Turner, Chris Paul and Christian Holmes all need to prove themselves in preseason.

Finally, Rivera’s 2023 class only exhibited two players to produce last season (S Quan Martin and RB Chris Rodriguez). Both played hard and well on special teams and when given the opportunity at their respective positions.  Braeden Daniels looked like he was drafted entirely too early to play tackle last preseason. He has been taking some work at guard, and it may already be his last chance. C/G Ricky Stromberg was injured in 2023, while Andre Jones and KJ Henry watched Adam Peters sign multiple defensive ends.

This leaves the 2023 first-round selection, CB Emmanuel Forbes. Rivera raved about Forbes on draft day, even before selecting him. Forbes struggled horribly and says he has gained over 15 pounds in preparation for 2024.

How many former Rivera draft picks will make the Quinn 53-man roster?

Brian Robinson excited about the Commanders new OC

Brian Robinson Jr. is already a big fan of Kliff Kingsbury.

Kliff Kingsbury is making a good early impression on Commanders running back Brian Robinson, Jr.

Robinson told the media, Wednesday, “I love Kliff. I feel like he does a great job trying to get to know his players and how to know how to best utilize us. I feel like he has been doing a great job of that, and I appreciate him for that.”

Robinson was a third-round selection (98) in 2022 for the Commanders. He was shot just prior to the start of his rookie regular season, and after missing the first four games, he battled his way back to fitness and was ready for NFL action.

On Wednesday, he said he feels the best he has since being drafted to play here. He didn’t explain why he didn’t feel that good last year. In his rookie season, he rushed the ball an average of 17 times a game, compared to only 11 times per game last season.

Yet, the other side of the coin was that Robinson was provided with an opportunity to show what he could do as a receiver, and he certainly did not disappoint, collecting 36 receptions for 368 yards (10.2) and four receiving touchdowns.

However, Robinson really praised Kingsbury for how he leads the offensive team meetings, communicates in those meetings, conducts walk-throughs, and then conducts the actual practices.

“He has great communication and is trying to build a bond in our offense, to make us all come together.”

When asked what differences Kingsbury’s offense might bring, Robinson stated it would be more up-tempo than last year and ” a no-huddle offense.”

Robinson might be asked not to be so open next time about Kingsbury’s offense. But he couldn’t help expressing how he enjoys working with Kingsbury thus far.