4 first-round mistakes that continue to haunt Commanders

Commanders didn't take a franchise QB in 2020

Ron Rivera had the chance to lay down a marker during his first draft in 2020. We've already spoken about Dwayne Haskins' failed rookie campaign the previous year. The Washington Commanders had the No. 2 overall selection as a result.

This put them in a prime position to potentially take another promising signal-caller from the college ranks. Joe Burrow was the consensus first choice after a record-breaking final season at LSU. But there was another potential generational talent who entered the discussion.

Chase Young was seen as the next great NFL defensive end. He had all the makings of being a perennial All-Pro following a dominant college career at Ohio State. The Commanders took Montez Sweat with their second first-round pick in 2019. Despite this, Rivera pulled the trigger on another pass-rusher.

Young's career began well enough. He won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and looked destined for great things. Unfortunately, injuries and poor performance blighted the next few years. He was eventually traded to the San Francisco 49ers for nothing more than a compensatory third-round pick.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing to have. Looking at how things stand currently, Washington's outlook would look far more promising if the pick had been Justin Herbert. Something that might not go unnoticed by the new regime given they also have the No. 2 selection to utilize this spring.