The Washington Commanders were determined to find another wide receiver in the 2022 NFL draft to line up opposite Terry McLaurin. When Drake London and Garrett Wilson were selected before Washington’s selection at No. 11, fans began to panic.
However, the Commanders wisely traded out of the No. 11 selection, moving back five spots, allowing the New Orleans Saints to select Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave. Washington had been linked to Olave in the pre-draft process.
Washington moved down to No. 16 and selected Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson. The Commanders also acquired the No. 98 and No. 120 overall selections in the 2022 draft. Before the trade, Washington had only six picks. The Commanders added back a third-round pick they had traded for quarterback Carson Wentz.
So, how did Washington fans react to the move?
As you’d expect, there were mixed reactions, with many upset over the Commanders choosing to pass on Olave and Jameson Williams.
This is a home run trade for Washington pic.twitter.com/KwrhgzGETg
— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) April 29, 2022
Over the Cap loved Washington’s trade with the Saints.
This reminds me of the 2014 draft. So many great WRs came from that class and Washington got Ryan Grant. It’s hard for me to be upset because I expect these morons to fuck up
— VEEZY (@inVEZtigator_) April 29, 2022
This fan clearly didn’t trust Washington’s brass to find a wide receiver.
I honestly think a lot of Commanders fans will be mad about the Jahan Dotson pick bc his name sounds like Josh Doctson
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) April 29, 2022
Sadly, this is true.
Just because you don’t know who Jahan Dotson is doesn’t mean it isn’t a good pick. He’s got arguably the best hands in the draft and can FLY! You get 2 more mid round picks also.
— Zac (@DCzWall) April 29, 2022
This is a reasonable perspective. Dotson can play. He has excellent hands, high points the football, is great after the catch, runs strong routes and is also a standout punt returner.
Washington taking Penn State WR Jahan Dotson. They wanted another WR to go opposite Terry McLaurin. Dotson has good versatility with an ability to play inside and outside, but isn't the most physical. Would've expected Washington to add a bigger target.
— Mike Jones (@ByMikeJones) April 29, 2022
Outside of Drake London, what other “big” target was Washington pursuing? The Commanders passed on Treylon Burks, who went No. 18.
My pro comp for Jahan Dotson is Tyler Lockett.
Dotson finished 2021 as the only player in the Power Five with at least 25 explosive plays and 2 or fewer drops (he had 26 and two, respectively).
Ultra-reliable option for Carson Wentz and the @Commanders.
— cynthia frelund (@cfrelund) April 29, 2022
Washington fans should be happy with a Tyler Lockett-clone.