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Washington Football Team: Five best late-round draft picks since 2010

By Russell Shavatt

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 13: Strong safety Kamren Curl #31 of the Washington Football Team runs for a touchdown on an interception thrown by quarterback Nick Mullens #4 of the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter of the game at State Farm Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 13: Strong safety Kamren Curl #31 of the Washington Football Team runs for a touchdown on an interception thrown by quarterback Nick Mullens #4 of the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter of the game at State Farm Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 13: Matthew Ioannidis #98 and Chase Young #99 of the Washington Football Team rush the Philadelphia Eagles offense at FedExField on September 13, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 13: Matthew Ioannidis #98 and Chase Young #99 of the Washington Football Team rush the Philadelphia Eagles offense at FedExField on September 13, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

2016 NFL Draft: Matt Ioannidis, DT, Temple (5th Round)

At No. 2 on this list, we go back to the current roster in order to find another late-round gem selected in Washington Football Team history. With pick 152 overall in the 5th round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Washington selected Matt Ioannidis from Temple University. A defensive linemen in college who was decently productive rushing the passer, but not seen as overly athletic.

His career didn’t start out the best, which was evident by him being cut in his rookie year before being signed back to the practice squad. Although his production increased from that difficult rookie campaign, the Matt Ioannidis we know today didn’t break out until the 2018 season. A season in which he finished with 7.5 sacks rushing from the interior.

Known for his grizzly appearance and elite strength, this former late-round pick displayed the necessary traits in order to get a three-year contract extension in April of 2019. His 2020 season was cut short due to injury, but look for Ioannidis to continue being a contributing part of what will be a solid defense in 2021 and moving forward.

With a career 137 combined tackles and 22.0 sacks on his short resume, this late-round draft pick has turned lots of heads and earned many believers after a rough start. A true building block and core player on the modern day Washington Football Team roster.

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