Commanders reveal jersey numbers for 2022 NFL Draft class

The Washington Commanders‘ rookie minicamp is suddenly a distant memory as organized team activities are up and running in Ashburn.

The three-day rookie camp marked the first opportunity for Washington’s 2022 draft class — and undrafted free agents — to experience life as an NFL player. From meeting their new coaches, touring the practice facility and throwing on a jersey, albeit a practice one, it was a surreal experience for the rookies.

For fourth-rounder Butler and seventh-rounder Christian Holmes, putting on the new-look helmets was enough to make the weekend a lasting memory.

First-rounder Jahan Dotson, meanwhile, found himself trending on social media after he insisted on practicing instead of attending his graduation at Penn State. In a wholesome moment, Ron Rivera convinced the rookie to ditch practice and receive his diploma, which Dotson considered a milestone in his family.

With OTAs in full-swing, the Commanders revealed the jersey numbers for their incoming rookies. Let’s see if they’re good fits, shall we?

The Commanders revealed the jersey numbers for their 2022 draft class.

Jahan Dotson: No. 1 

Dotson will wear No. 1 for Washington. Last offseason, the NFL passed a rule allowing receivers and tight ends to don any number from 1-49 and 80-89. The change saw several high-profile wideouts switch jerseys and Dotson, who sported No. 5 at Penn State and will take over the No. 1 from DeAndre Carter.

Phidarian Mathis: No. 98 

Man, doesn’t No. 98 just feel right on a defensive tackle? Of course, Mathis, the Commanders’ second-round pick, takes the number after Matt Ioannidis wore the No. 98 jersey for all six of his seasons in Ashburn before his release. Mathis repped No. 48 at Alabama so this is a big switch up for the former Crimson Tide star.

Brian Robinson Jr.: No. 8

Unlike most rookies, Mathis and Robinson had their jersey numbers confirmed less than 24 hours after they got drafted. After wearing No. 4 at Alabama, Robinson is doubling up and will rock the No. 8 jersey for the Commanders. Here’s an awesome photoshop of Robinson in the road white jersey made by a fan account.

Percy Butler: No. 35

The former No. 9 at Louisiana Lafayette will wear No. 35 in the NFL. This falls in line with the league’s rule change, as defensive backs are now permitted to wear Nos. 1-49. A great choice by Washington’s fourth-round pick.

Sam Howell: No. 14 

Like Robinson, Howell doubled his college number. After starring at North Carolina in the No. 7 jersey, Howell will be Washington’s new No. 14. It’s an odd choice for Howell, as no one on the Commanders’ roster, at least to the best of our knowledge, currently wears No. 7. Perhaps he wanted a change … or No. 14 has always been his preferred jersey and he never got to pick it until now. That’d be pretty cool.

Cole Turner: No. 85

Numerous tight ends have embraced their allowance to wear Nos. 1-49. Turner is clearly old-school, as he’ll fittingly wear No. 85. Anything in the mid-to-high 80s just looks right on tight ends. George Kittle, too, reps No. 85, while Rob Gronkowski and Travis Kelce rock the No. 87 with pride. Another great choice.

Chris Paul: No. 75 

As much as Commanders fans would’ve liked to see the seventh-round offensive lineman rep the No. 3 like NBA superstar Chris Paul, No. 75 is much more fitting. The former Paul will be hard-pressed to crack the OL rotation as a rookie, but his ability to play four different positions gives him a puncher’s chance.

Christian Holmes: No. 34 

Holmes was famously quoted saying he was “googly eyed” after laying eyes on Washington’s Burgundy helmets. It’s unclear if he had the same reaction after receiving his No. 34, but it’ll surely look sharp on the seventh-round cornerback.