3 moves Commanders need to make following 2022 NFL Draft
By Jerry Trotta
Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera and general manager Martin Mayhew should be pleased with the work they did in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Instead of prioritizing value, Rivera and Co. sought to address needs. That would explain drafting Jahan Dotson No. 16 overall when most draft analysts and experts had the Penn State wideout as a late-first-round prospect.
That continued in the second round, when they took Alabama defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis at pick No. 47. Though over-drafted (his agent didn’t expect him to get taken until Round 3 or 4), reports suggest Mathis would’ve been off the board within the next 10 picks, so it wasn’t that big of a reach.
From there, the Commanders netted Alabama RB Brian Robinson Jr., Louisiana safety Percy Butler, North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell, Nevada tight end Cole Turner, Tulsa OL Chris Paul and Oklahoma State CB Christian Holmes.
So, what’s next for the Commanders? No team can fix everything in one draft and Washington’s roster could still use some help. The post-draft free agency frenzy is about to pick up, so let’s highlight three moves the front office should make now that the draft is over.
3. Re-sign Landon Collins
Entering the draft, the Buffalo nickel was one of Washington’s biggest needs and they opted against filling the hole. They had chances at Kyle Hamilton in the first round and their choice of linebacker in the next two rounds.
Luckily for Washington, there’s plenty of linebacker and safety hybrid talents remaining in free agency. Former Bronco Alexander Johnson springs to mind, as does Landon Collins, who was made a cap casualty earlier this offseason.
There’s buzz hinting at a potential reunion, with mutual interest on both sides, apparently. While Collins has his deficiencies in coverage, we can’t think of a better candidate for the Buffalo nickel of the remaining free agent options.
The 28-year-old Collins excelled in the Buffalo nickel after he was converted from a full-time safety in the middle of last season. In total, he compiled 81 tackles, two interceptions, seven tackles for loss and three sacks.
Already familiar with Jack Del Rio’s system, Washington’s players’ tendencies and what’s expected of him in the Buffalo nickel, re-signing Collins (to a reasonable contract this time!) makes sense for both the player and team.