5 players Commanders could have drafted over first-round flop Jamin Davis
By Dean Jones
Commanders could have drafted Landon Dickerson
Ron Rivera inherited a functional offensive line upon taking the job in 20020. He had two All-Pros in Trent Williams and Brandon Scherff. Others such as Morgan Moses and Chase Roullier were dependable. Instead of using this as a springboard for improvements, the group was slowly decimated piece by piece.
The protection went from an area of strength to a glaring weak link quickly. One couldn't blame him for the Williams fiasco, but almost every move flopped after that. Rivera did do one good thing that he can dine off moving forward. That was switching Sam Cosmi from the edge to right guard, which was a masterstroke amid the chaos.
If the Commanders had drafted Landon Dickerson, their problems would have been alleviated to a certain extent. The interior force was taken by the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 37 overall. He earned a starting gig immediately and became an important part of one of the best offensive lines in football.
Dickerson was a plug-and-play starter that passed Rivera by. Fortunately for the Commanders, new general manager Adam Peters gave Washington's protection the respect it deserved throughout his first recruitment period at the helm.
Commanders could have drafted Christian Darrisaw
Speaking of the offensive line…
This is the player Commanders fans remain infuriated about. The golden ticket to fill the gaping void left by Trent Williams with a cornerstone piece for future success.
Everyone could see it. Everyone expected it. Everyone except for Ron Rivera, who thought Jamin Davis would be a better fit than standout offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw.
The Minnesota Vikings weren't going to spurn the opportunity when Darrisaw was available at No. 23 overall. He earned the starting blindside gig right out of the gate, adjusted seamlessly to his surroundings, and is now one of the best edge protectors in football.
Darrisaw's athleticism, poise, and ability to contribute in the run game have been a revelation. The Vikings had no trouble handing him a four-year, $104 million extension to continue his flourishing bookend tackle partnership with Brian O'Neill. As for the Commanders? Rivera went through a revolving door of left tackles without ever finding the correct formula.
Things are looking up now following the impressive transition made by third-round rookie Brandon Coleman, who's been splitting reps with veteran Cornelius Lucas. However, there is no doubt whatsoever that Darrisaw would be an upgrade.
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