7 players the Commanders could have drafted over Jahan Dotson
By Dean Jones
Commanders could have drafted Kyle Hamilton
- Safety | Notre Dame Fighting Irish
- No. 14 overall | Baltimore Ravens
Once the Washington Commanders traded down for what they believed to be a decent offer from the New Orleans Saints, it almost guaranteed they wouldn't get their hands on someone the fanbase was clamoring for. Kyle Hamilton was the best prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft, but his position value coupled with slight concerns in coverage meant plenty of teams looked the other way.
Hamilton ended up with the Baltimore Ravens, who always seem to do the right thing. The gifted defensive back immediately took off as a rookie before breaking out in the best possible way in 2023.
The former Notre Dame standout was an absolute revelation, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors to firmly establish himself as one of the league's most prolific safeties. One of Ron Rivera's best draft picks was at the same spot - seventh-rounder Kamren Curl. He didn't get another deal from the new regime and signed for the Los Angeles Rams in free agency.
Of all the picks Rovera could have made over Jahan Dotson, overlooking Hamilton's obvious credentials was the most infuriating of all. The fact he ended up just down the road is all the more frustrating.
Commanders could have drafted Trent McDuffie
- Cornerback | Washington Huskies
- No. 21 overall | Kansas City Chiefs
Watching the Washington Commanders cornerbacks give up big plays at will last season was a constant disappointment. Having no consistent pass rush over the second half of 2023 didn't help, but the acquisitions made by Ron Rivera never caught on aside from dependable veteran Kendall Fuller.
The apple of Rivera's eye - first-round cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. - endured a disastrous rookie campaign. Things haven't progressed effectively for the player under Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr., leading many to speculate whether he's part of the team's long-term vision.
Trent McDuffie was available for the Commanders in the 2022 NFL Draft. They thought better of it, which ended up working out quite well for the gifted defensive back after he landed on the Kansas City Chiefs.
McDuffie integrated seamlessly, winning two Super Bowls to start his career and earning All-Pro honors last time around thanks in no small part to five forced fumbles. Looking at Jahan Dotson's fate and the overall state of the cornerback unit, he'd have been a much better choice in hindsight.