3 prospects Commanders confusingly passed on to draft Phidarian Mathis

Unless they hit absolute grand slams, the Washington Commanders‘ draft picks were always going to receive mixed reviews.

The Jahan Dotson pick even caught some backlash because he was over-drafted by a couple spots. Spoiler alert: given the early run on receivers, it’s highly doubtful the Penn State product would’ve fallen to the second round.

By and large, though, Dotson was well received.

The real criticism started on Day 2, when the Commanders used their second-round selection on Alabama nose tackle Phidarian Mathis. At face value, we totally understand why the pick was made, even though it was self-inflicted.

With Daron Payne’s future up in the air and Tim Settle and Matt Ioannidis no longer around for depth purposes, Mathis fills a huge need. He was a captain for the Crimson Tide and is already familiar with some of his Commanders teammates.

With that said, Mathis feels like a huge reach by Washington. The player’s agent revealed he expected to go in Round 3 or 4. With that in mind, let’s highlight three prospects who would’ve been smarter picks than the ‘Bama behemoth.

3 prospects the Commanders could’ve drafted in the second round over Alabama DT Phidarian Mathis

3. Luke Goedeke

No, the Commanders shouldn’t have drafted an offensive linemen over a defensive linemen. That’s not our argument. With both units’ starting lineups both set for 2022, assuming Payne isn’t traded, the team should’ve prioritized value here.

Instead of reaching on Mathis, who, again, was utterly stunned that Washington called him before Round 3 or 4, the front office could’ve selected their future starting right guard in Central Michigan’s Luke Goedeke.

Given how fluid modern-day offensive line’s are, Goedeke would’ve seen enough playing time as a rookie to groom him to take over the starting role in 2023, when projected starter Wes Schweitzer is expected to hit free agency.

The former tight end turned lineman was named All-MAC First Team this past season and his 92.2 player grade from PFF ranked second among FBS right tackles.

With the versatility to play tackle and guard, Goedeke, who was one of five OL Washington hosted on a pre-draft visit and went No. 57 overall to the Buccaneers, would’ve been a better value pick than Mathis at No. 47.