Ranking the last 10 Commanders first-round NFL Draft picks
By Dean Jones
3. Montez Sweat
- Defensive End | Mississippi State Bulldogs
- No. 26 overall | 2019 NFL Draft
Montez Sweat quickly became an outstanding professional and solid contributor. If the Washington Commanders whiffed on drafting quarterback Dwayne Haskins, they found decent value with the defensive end later in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Sweat consistently produced and evolved into one of the team's locker room alphas for good measure. He was en route to a career year in 2023 before the Commanders traded him to the Chicago Bears for a high-end second-round selection. Although disappointing, the new men in charge felt this offer was simply too good to refuse.
The Mississippi State product got paid handsomely by the Bears and made his first Pro Bowl following a smooth transition to different surroundings. Nobody would have complained too much if Sweat stayed around, but the Commanders felt like the money could be better spent elsewhere.
2. Brandon Scherff
- Offensive Line | Iowa Hawkeyes
- No. 5 overall | 2015 NFL Draft
Brandon Scherff was the No. 5 overall selection for a reason. He was one of college football's top offensive linemen at Iowa and brought this exceptional production through to the NFL seamlessly. The Washington Commanders switched him to the right guard position, where he started immediately and went on to have a glittering spell with the franchise.
Scherff became one of the NFL's most imposing interior forces. During seven seasons in Washington, the player made five Pro Bowls and earned one All-Pro selection. But with things spiraling into disgrace, he took his chances elsewhere in 2022 free agency.
Things haven't gone as well for Scherff after signing a bumper deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars, However, that does not detract from how much bang the Commanders got for their buck with this high draft pick.