6 non-QBs Washington should monitor at 2022 Senior Bowl
By Jerry Trotta
The Washington Football Team has a big offseason ahead.
The highly-anticipated name reveal is next up on the agenda, though some extensions could be announced between now and then.
Speaking of the name reveal, Ron Rivera is taking this offseason so seriously that he likely won’t even be in attendance. Per the head coach, he plans on scouting at the 2022 Senior Bowl or East-West Shrine Game.
That’s what we like to hear! All 32 teams will have representatives in attendance, and it’s encouraging to know Rivera wants an up-close look at these prospects, whom will be coached by the Jets’ Robert Saleh and the Lions’ Dan Campbell.
With the number of eligible players expanding with each year, this year’s Senior Bowl has no shortage of intriguing prospects. In fact, it’s highly probable that one of these players end up getting drafted by Washington.
While everyone and their mother will be focused on the quarterback position, let’s highlight some non-QBs we’ll have an eye on.
6 non-QBs Washington should watch at the Senior Bowl
Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
Washington needs an injection of talent at the WR position after JD McKissic finished second on the team in both catches and receiving yards despite missing the final six games on injured reserve with a neck injury.
Enter Penn State product Jahan Dotson, a tremendous route-runner and a big play waiting to happen. At 5-foot-11 and 185 pounds, he plays bigger than his frame and is brilliant when it comes to creating separation in tight windows.
That’s what we call a chain-mover.
Dotson posted monster numbers as a senior, catching 91 passes for 1,182 yards and 12 touchdowns. He has a chance to sneak into the first round after Jameson Williams’ ACL injury suffered in the National Championship Game, but he’d be a great Day 2 target for Washington if he’s available.
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Zion Johnson, OL, Boston College
With Brandon Scherff likely chasing the bag in free agency, it’s highly unlikely he returns to Washington. While the team has internal candidates to replace the five-time Pro Bowler, like Wes Schweitzer and Saahdiq Charles, it’s also possible they pursue a long-term solution in the draft.
Look no further than Boston College stud Zion Johnson, one of the best interior OL in the country this past season. He earned All-American honors from the Associated Press and ESPN, and was named to the Walter Camp All-America team.
Per ESPN’s advanced stats, Johnson allowed zero pressures in 2021 and just ONE sack over 2,288 snaps for the Eagles. The 6-foot-3, 316-pound lineman can play either guard position and even has experience at left tackle.
He’d look awfully good in the Burgundy and Gold.