7 players the Commanders could have drafted over Jahan Dotson
By Dean Jones
Commanders could have drafted Jermaine Johnson II
- Edge Rusher | Florida State Seminoles
- No. 26 overall | New York Jets
Edge rusher wasn't considered a big need for the Washington Commanders in 2022. However, defensive end Chase Young's injury-plagued sophomore campaign was the start of a longer-term concern that eventually saw him traded to the San Francisco 49ers for nothing more than a compensatory third-round selection.
The Commanders also shipped out Montez Sweat, leaving their pass-rushing options thin on the ground. Had they considered someone like Jermaine Johnson II in the 2022 NFL Draft, things might have been different.
Johnson was considered by some draft analysts to be a potential top-10 pick before he fell to the New York Jets. After a steady enough start being brought along gradually as a rookie, the former Florida State star looked more the part in 2023, achieving 7.5 sacks and earning a stellar 83.0 grade from Pro Football Focus as a result of his improved efforts.
Ron Rivera had confidence Young would bounce back. It was his biggest draft investment and the need to give him more time was evident. Unfortunately, the once-generational college talent at Ohio State never reached his rookie heights again.
Commanders could have drafted Devin Lloyd
- Linebacker | Utah Utes
- No. 27 overall | Jacksonville Jaguars
The Commanders spent their 2021 first-round pick on a linebacker, which was the only genuine investment Ron Rivera ever made at the position. Jamin Davis was the choice, but the selection didn't exactly go according to plan and the Kentucky product is now making his way as an edge rusher under the new regime.
Someone like Devin Lloyd was exactly what the Commanders needed at the defensive second level. The former Utah star is physically imposing and highly instinctive. His 242 tackles in two seasons highlight as much, although the player has yet to register a sack over his first two seasons in the league.
Lloyd is an integral part of the Jacksonville Jaguars plans long term. That's not the case for Jahan Dotson in Washington, who was cast aside for minimal compensation after becoming a square peg in a round hole within Kliff Kingsbury's offensive concepts.
Fortunately for the Commanders, things look much more promising within their linebacking corps now. Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu bring experience and ferocity in equal measure - something that should reinvigorate a position group that became a constant source of frustration on Rivera's watch.
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