7 players the Commanders could have drafted over Jahan Dotson

Commanders could have drafted Tyler Linderbaum

• Center | Iowa Hawkeyes
• No. 25 overall | Baltimore Ravens

Chase Roullier was a capable performer when on the field. The veteran center's injury problems began in 2021 - featuring in just eight games. Instead of finding a younger option in case something similar happened again, the Washington Commanders stood pat to their detriment.

Things got even worse for Roullier in 2022, featuring just twice. He was released as a salary-cap casualty during the 2023 offseason and eventually retired, ending a brief but productive NFL career.

The Commanders spurned a golden opportunity to solve this issue by passing on Tyler Linderbaum. He graded out extremely highly despite some analysts questioning his lack of legitimate NFL size. The Baltimore Ravens had no such concerns and they've been rewarded with two seasons of exceptional production so far.

Linderbaum made the Pro Bowl last season and is one of the league's best centers already. It's a testament to how well-run the Ravens are that they managed to secure two premium difference-makers in the first round. Ron Rivera didn't enjoy anything like the same success - a reason why the Commanders are wallowing in obscurity heading into Year 1 of an extensive rebuilding season.

Commanders could have drafted Tyler Smith

• Offensive Line | Tulsa Golden Hurricane
• No. 24 overall | Dallas Cowboys

Ron Rivera never figured things out on the offensive line. He inherited a productive unit and turned it into a laughingstock. Valuing position versatility over specialist production quickly became undoing and the previous head coach paid with his job.

All-Pro guard Brandon Scherff ended his contract stalemate with the Commanders in 2022 by signing for the Jacksonville Jaguars on a megabucks deal in free agency. Had Rivera been a bit more forward-thinking, he might have given Tyler Smith more consideration during the draft.

Smith was an imposing interior force at Tulsa who ascended quickly throughout his pre-draft assessments. The Dallas Cowboys were suitably impressed, taking the player at No. 24 overall and immediately giving him starting responsibilities following a seamless transition from college to the pros.

There were some discipline issues early on. but Smith looks like a cornerstone piece in Dallas. He's given up just seven sacks in 2,086 snaps in two seasons and is a stout force against the run. The Commanders could have used someone with that sort of talent manning one of the guard positions after Scherff's departure. Alas, Rivera thought he knew better.