Commanders draft Dylan Sampson
- Running Back | Tennessee Volunteers
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 238
Seventh-round picks are always a crapshoot. Unearthing diamonds at this stage of the draft is a bonus. Expecting miracles isn't how fans should approach any prospect taken this far down the board.
There's a growing belief that the Washington Commanders will add to their running back room this offseason. The free-agent market is slim pickings, so examining a deep draft class represents the best and most cost-effective solution.
The Commanders will have Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler around in the final year of their respective deals. Given the regression and injury issues last season, adding another potentially dynamic piece is almost guaranteed at some point.
Finding value could be the best approach, especially given the need to fortify the trenches. Free agency will provide the clues, but Dylan Sampson represents value here.
Why Sampson is being largely overlooked is bemusing. He was sensational for the Tennessee Volunteers in 2024, accumulating 1,491 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns to win SEC Offensive Player of the Year. He also added 20 receptions for 143 receiving yards on the ground.
Sampson isn't the biggest. Even so, he's got enough quality traits to become impactful at the NFL level. He's explosive, has outstanding contact balance, and boasts the vision to turn the smallest gaps into big gains.
If Sampson is still around at this stage, which will be jaw-dropping, the Commanders could pull the trigger.
Commanders draft Jalin Conyers
- Tight End | Texas Tech Red Raiders
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 250
The Commanders might need another tight end depending on what unfolds in free agency. Veteran Zach Ertz is out of contract and looking for a new deal. His production in 2024 warrants another go-around, but time is of the essence before the Pro Bowler is permitted to speak with other teams.
John Bates is also a free agent and could get interest from elsewhere thanks to his blocking exploits. Ben Sinnott remains an unknown heading into his second season. The same goes for undrafted free agent Colson Yankoff. Finding a contingency plan to raise urgency wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.
As previously mentioned, seventh-round picks rarely take the league by storm. Jalin Conyers might turn out to be a wasted choice, but he's got enough physical attributes to potentially mold into something more with the correct development.
Conyers understands how to get open. He's a quick mover out of his cuts. There's enough strength to work as an in-line tight end and enough athleticism to be a slot option when the situation dictates. The Texas Tech prospect is dangerous in the open field. He's also an underrated blocker, especially on running plays.
If Conyers makes it this far, the Commanders could do far worse.
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