Tag: 2022 Washington Draft

Analyst talks Commanders, quarterbacks and the draft

One draft analyst has high praise for Sam Howell and discusses which rookie passer he likes the best.

NFL draft and college football analyst Thor Nystrom of Fantasy Pros and Betting Pros didn’t hold back in his analysis of the Commanders’ quarterback situation.

Nystrom, a guest of the Al Galdi Podcast Monday evaluated the upcoming NFL draft and the Commanders drafting a quarterback in particular.

“If you are going to shoot the moon on potential, shoot the highest, and Anthony Richardson certainly has the highest ceiling as far as the physical tools.”

“The NFL is weighing in more of that risk threshold, and I think there is a better shot that he (Richardson) would get down to Washington’s pick (16).”

“It’s all about your risk threshold. You see them (coaches) constantly skirting away from those guys who cannot contribute in year one, because their jobs are on the line.”

“Those coaches need to get some immediate feedback from the investments they have made. As we get closer to draft day, the fervor for Richardson might get higher as well.”

“Washington is in a decent situation. They liked what they saw from Sam Howell at the end of the season. They could shoot the moon on Richardson’s upside, go into next year, and know that Richardson is not going to be starting. If one or both is a bonanza, then great! If one didn’t work out, hopefully, the other one did.”

In regards to Howell’s ranking as one of the top quarterbacks after the 2021 college season:

“The stuff regarding last year’s quarterbacks. I would love to see an investigative report on it someday. For the whole story to come out. Not only was it a shock to the media, but it was also a shock the NFL.

“Malik Willis and Matt Corral were two of the quarterbacks in the green room at the draft last year. The NFL did not believe that day that either QB would fall to rounds three and four or that Sam Howell would drop to round 5!”

Nystrom believes Washington really obtained great value in getting Howell as late as they did… in the fifth round. He also believes Richardson, if he falls to the third, would be of great value.

Notice how earlier Nystrom said coaches who have to win that year can’t be taking guys who may not contribute the very next season. Ron Rivera and Martin Mayhew must win in 2023 to ensure they are still here in 2024.

Consequently, I’d look for those two men to be looking for whom they feel can help the Commanders right away with their first and second-round picks.

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Washington’s recent history of 2nd-round picks is not very encouraging

Washington has struggled with 2nd-round selections in the last decade. Hopefully, Sam Cosmi was the start of a more successful trend.

We are all certainly hoping tonight that with the 47th overall selection in the 2022 NFL draft, Washington will get it right by finding a productive contributor.

It can’t be ignored, that Washington has experienced many a nightmare when it comes to second-round selections in the last decade. Hopefully last year’s pick, Sam Cosmi, was the start of a more successful trend.

Who are the last 10 players Washington has selected in the second round?

Samuel Cosmi (2021), Derrius Guice (2018), Ryan Anderson (2017), Su’a Cravens (2016), Preston Smith (2015), Trent Murphy (2014), David Amerson (2013), Jarvis Jenkins (2011), Devin Thomas, Fred Davis, Malcom Kelly (2008).

Ok, that was 11, not 10. But how can I talk about Washington’s second-round picks while excluding the horrible memory of the 2008 draft? All three players were receivers (Davis a USC tight end), and endured very disappointing careers. Thomas never flashed, was just a guy. Davis started well, but character issues resulted in a crash and burn sadly for him.

Kelly? Why was he ever drafted in Round 2 when at the time, there were injury concerns? Even worse was when it leaked out some of the football staff actually voiced they wanted to draft Jamaal Charles but were overruled. For younger readers, Charles (Texas) was a four-time Pro Bowler, two-time All-Pro, rushed for 7,563 yards, 44 rushing touchdowns and averaged an impressive 5.4 yards per carry.

Jenkins (Clemson DE) was largely ineffective his entire three years in Washington, even getting suspended for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.

Amerson (NC State CB) played on three teams in his six NFL seasons, even later admitting that while with Washington, he had spent many nights playing video games instead of studying opponents and getting enough sleep.

Murphy (Stanford DE) was drafted when Washington traded back with Dallas, who drafted DeMarcus Lawrence. Murphy had some moments but faded, and he too was suspended for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

Cravens (USC LB) very early revealed himself to have emotional issues and was traded after only one season, only lasting one season in Denver as well.

Anderson (Alabama LB) didn’t start a game his first two seasons, forced five fumbles in season three, but struggled in his fourth and final season.

Guice (LSU RB) was such a train wreck, he was arrested on domestic violence charges, tore an ACL, only played in five games and even LSU erased his stats from their record books because of inappropriate behavior.

Only Preston Smith and Samuel Cosmi look to have been good second-round selections for Washington. Smith in four seasons accumulated 59 QB hits and 24.5 sacks, but he was not resigned and Green Bay wasted no time signing him. Cosmi (Texas OT) only played in nine games in 2021 (started all nine), but performed quite well, and looks to have a promising future as a Commander in the NFL.