2022 NFL Draft: Best No. 11 pick’s since 2010 increase pressure on Commanders

Honorable mention: Dontari Poe (2012)

While Poe doesn’t quite belong in the same conversation as Watt, Lewan, Lattimore and Fitzpatrick, he was more than worthy of the No. 11 overall pick. As a two-time Pro Bowler, a preeminent run-stuffer during his prime and a full-time starter for seven years, Poe enjoyed a resectable pro career.

We’d also be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge that Mekhi Becton and Justin Fields were the last two players taken at pick No. 11. Becton looked like the next great left tackle as a rookie in 2020, but injuries and a lack of motivation to stay in shape have forced the Jets to make him earn his starting spot back. If the Louisville behemoth gets his mind right, he has top-five potential written all over him.

Like every other rookie QB not named Mac Jones, Fields endured rookie growing pains this past season. There’s no denying the former Ohio State star’s talent, but we’d be lying if we said we aren’t concerned about how the Bears are building around him. Still, his physical tools were impossible to pass on at No. 11.

That should just about do it. If there’s one thing to take away from all this, it’s that Washington needs to hit on this pick. Nobody’s saying it needs to be a future superstar, but the likes of Watt, Lewan, Lattimore and Fitzpatrick — and to a lesser extent, Poe, Becton and Fields — prove it’d be hard to screw this up.

The pressure is on.