Reviewing the Commanders rookies after first six games of 2022 season

Brian Robinson, RB (Round 3, No. 98 overall)

Like Mathis, it’s impossible to judge the first quarter of Robinson’s rookie year. The third-round pick made his NFL debut on Sunday against the Titans six weeks after he was hospitalized with two gunshot wounds; one to his knee and lower body.

Of course, all signs point to this being another strong pick from Washington. Before the scary incident, Robinson was poised to supplant Antonio Gibson as the lead back in the Commanders backfield and he did just that in Washington’s must-win game over the Bears on Thursday. On top of out-touching Gibson, Robinson scored the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter and totaled 60 rushing yards.

Robinson will seemingly grow into a bigger workload as the season progresses, but the fact he’s already playing is a miracle by itself.

Grade: B+ 

Percy Butler, S (Round 4, No. 113 overall)

Another tough one to judge due to limited opportunities, Butler missed Week 5 against Tennessee with a quad injury. The majority of Butler’s playing time has come on special teams, which was the expectation after he was drafted. He logged 18 defensive snaps over the first three games before playing 0 against the Cowboys.

With Darrick Forrest emerging as a building block for the defense and the clear third safety behind Bobby McCain and Kam Curl, Butler might be restricted to a special teams role for most (if not the remainder) of his rookie season.

Not exactly ideal, but the former Ragin Cajun was always expected to contribute more on special teams than on defense in Year 1. It also doesn’t help that he’s missed the last couple games with a quad injury.

Grade: C