2022 NFL Draft: Grading the Commanders’ five Day 3 selections

The NFL Draft has been very kind to the Washington Commanders, who clearly have utmost confidence in the current make-up of their roster.

You know the old saying, “never judge a book by its cover”? Well that can be applied to Washington’s draft.

With their first-round pick, the club selected Penn State wideout Jahan Dotson after trading back five spots. They parlayed that into Alabama defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis and running back Brian Robinson Jr. on Day 2.

After “reaching” to fill roster needs over the first three rounds, the Commanders pivoted and pursued value on Saturday. Though fans were left underwhelmed (to an extent) after the first three picks, Washington injected much-needed excitement into its fan base to close out the 2022 showcase.

It wasn’t a perfect draft by any means and say what you will about Washington’s evaluation process, but the incoming class figures to have a big say on the success of next year’s team. What more could you ask for? With that in mind, let’s analyze the team’s Day 3 selections and give each of them a letter grade.

Grading the Commanders Day 3 draft picks

Percy Butler, S, Louisiana

The Commanders might have reached on Butler, but they clearly prioritized finding immediate contributors over good value in the first few rounds. In Butler, Washington gets an absolute speed-demon whose 4.36-second 40-yard dash ranked second among all prospects who partook in the Combine.

NBC Sports analyst Chris Simms views Butler as the “best pure free safety” in this draft, but he seems to be alone on that island. That’s not to say Butler won’t compete for snaps, but “best pure free safety” might be a reach on Simms’ part.

You know what isn’t a reach? Calling Butler the best special teams gunner in this draft, as NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah said while analyzing the pick: “Best special teams coverage player in the entire draft. A dominant gunner.”

We’ll take that! Butler might be a little undersized for the safety position, but the former Cajun won’t be more than a rotational player behind Bobby McCain and Kam Curl. We can’t wait to see him wreak havoc on special teams.

Grade: B-

Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina

After the Butler pick, the Commanders traded picks No. 120 and 189 to the Panthers (the Commanthers, some would say) for picks No. 144 and 149. To say fans came away satisfied with these picks would be an understatement.

To start, they netted UNC quarterback Sam Howell, who ESPN’s Jordan Reid mocked to Washington in the second round in his latest projection. Like Reid, all draft watchers were dumbfounded that Howell slipped through Round 4.

The Commanders ended that slide and get a prospect who’s widely said to have the best deep ball of this year’s quarterbacks. While there’s a lot to like about Howell’s arm talent and athleticism (he rushed for 828 yards and 11 touchdowns last year), he’s undersized for a QB and has suspect accuracy from the pocket.

All in all, Washington got fantastic value here, as Howell was floated as a first-round selection early in the draft process. He’ll start the year as the third-stringer, but his arm strength could see him leapfrog Taylor Heinicke for the backup job if he hits the ground running in rookie mini camp and training camp.

Grade: A 

Cole Turner, TE, Nevada

There was some thought that the Commanders could double dip and take Nevada teammates Carson Strong and Cole Turner in Round 5. That dream ended after the Howell pick, but they managed to snag Turner at pick No. 149.

At 6-foot-7 (!) and 247 pounds, Turner epitomizes everything Washington currently lacks in its receiving arsenal. With Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel and Jahan Dotson all shorter than 6-foot-1, they needed to add another big-bodied target.

With Logan Thomas likely to miss the start of 2022 as he recovers from a torn ACL, Turner could step in as the team’s sturdiest red zone presence, as 16 of his 20 career touchdown catches for the Wolfpack came inside the red area.

A tight end turned receiver, Turner has the frame and length to make contested catches look ordinary. With that said, he’s struggled with drops and will need to be more sure-handed to earn a steady role in Washington’s offense.

Grade: B+

Chris Paul, OL, Tulsa

Not to be confused with the NBA point guard, Tulsa’s Chris Paul is another steal for Washington (at least on paper) in the seventh round. A four-year starter in college, Paul shined alongside Cowboys’ first-round pick Tyler Smith for the Golden Hurricanes and has experience at every position except center.

At 6-foot-3 and 324 pounds with a bulldog mentality and that aforementioned versatility, Paul should walk right into Washington’s OL rotation as a rookie.

Grade: B+

Christian Holmes, CB, Oklahoma State

It’s pretty fitting that Washington’s first Big 12 selection was also the first cornerback they selected in this draft.

Fans will be left wanting more from the position given the lack of depth behind Kendall Fuller and William Jackson, but it’s clear the coaching staff views Benjamin St-Juste and Danny Johnson, who re-signed in free agency, as quality backups.

With a 9.06 relative athletic score, Holmes figures to play a big role on special teams as a rookie. His seven pass breakups last year helped him earn second-team All-Big 12 honors and he packs a big punch defending the run.

Grade: C

That’s put a wrap on the 2022 NFL Draft. The Commanders have made a knack of finding late-round steals, so let’s hope for more of the same this time around. How does every feel about the incoming draft class?!