Commanders and Ravens Draft Recap

COMMANDERS

In round 1, the Commanders traded back from pick 11 back to pick 16, picking up an extra third and fourth-round pick. After not falling in love with any prospects available at 11, many say the Commanders panicked and reached for a wide receiver. The move was heavily criticized, as Washington missed out on the big four wide receivers and instead had to settle for receiver Jahan Dotson from Penn State. Even though it’s not the flashiest name, it fills a huge need for the Commanders, who lacked a true WR2 to line up with star Terry Mclaurin. 

In round 2, the Commanders probably made their most head-scratching move of the draft, selecting defensive lineman Philidarian Mathis from Alabama. The logic for this pick makes sense, as Washington just lost two key defensive linemen in Matt Ioannidis and Tim Settle, so drafting a defensive lineman makes sense. However, Mathis would most likely be in a rotational, backup lineman role for the Commanders. This would be a fine pick if it wasn’t in the second round with other starter-ready players sitting there such as safety Jaquan Brisker or Nakobe Dean. Nevertheless, the pick still fills a need which is a common theme in Washington’s draft this year. 

In round 3,  Washington drafted RB Brian Robinson Jr. from Alabama. Robinson is a power back that the Commanders desperately needed, as the last power back they had was Adrian Peterson which was over three years ago. This move should also decrease the number of fumbles Washington suffers due to Antonio Gibson’s poor control of the ball. Since he was a rookie, fumbling for Gibson has been a problem, so the added competition might be fuel for him to improve. 

In round 4, the Commanders selected free safety Percy Butler, strengthening their secondary as many labeled Butler as the second-best cover safety in the draft. In round 5, the Commanders got a great value pick in Quarterback Sam Howell. Howell was projected to be a top 5 pick last year but decided to stay another year in college. This backfired, as his stock fell after a mediocre year. 

The Commanders first pick of round 7 was guard Chris Paul, bolstering their offensive line, and providing more depth. The last pick of the draft for the Commanders who also provided depth was cornerback Christian Holmes. The Commanders got much-needed depth at positions they lacked, while also getting guys that can make an impact on day one. 

With the Eagles trading for AJ Brown, and the Cowboys retaining their core, it will be tough for the Commanders to win the division, but no matter what this team will be competitive this year.

RAVENS 

In the first round, the Ravens picked up a safety out of Notre Dame, Kyle Hamilton. Highly anticipated for him to go in the top 10, but he surprisingly fell to the 14th draft pick, belonging to Baltimore. With many injuries and a struggling defense last season, Kyle Hamilton is expected to help push the defensive line to be a lot stronger. The Raven’s only other pick in round 1, center, Tyler Linderbaum, was supposed to be drafted at #14, being one of the top prospects, but he ultimately went at #25. This pick was a steal for Baltimore, as Linderbaum is one of the best offensive linemen in the draft. 

In round 2, the Ravens picked up David Ojabo, a strong outside linebacker out of Michigan. The Ravens have always lacked another true linebacker since Ray Lewis, so Baltimore hopes Ojabo can end the streak. 

The Baltimore Ravens, in need of a stronger defensive line, acquired Defensive Tackle Travis Jones from UConn. He will provide depth and a chance to start for the Raven’s defense. 

The Ravens’ first acquisition of six in the 4th round was Daniel Faalele. The former Australian Rugby player, standing at 6’8” / 384 lbs, is expected to perform really well as an offensive tackle. The next player selected was Jalyn Armour-Davis, a cornerback from Alabama, standing at pick 119. This pick also gives depth to the Ravens, as injuries were a huge problem last year. 

The first of two tight ends drafted by the Ravens was Charlie Kolar from Iowa St. Only two picks later was Virginia native, Jordan Stout, who played as a punter for Penn State. Not to sound like a broken record, but both of these picks were also for depth. The Ravens were one of, if not the most injured team last year, perhaps the reason they didn’t make the playoffs. 

Next is Isaiah Likely of Coastal Carolina, the second tight-end selection made by the Ravens. Baltimore’s final pick in round four is cornerback Damarion Williams of Houston. 

For the last selection of the draft, Missouri running back Tyler Badie was picked up by Baltimore. Fans can see him playing here for a while since he is very close to Randalstown, MD, where he grew up. All in all, the Ravens drafted evenly position-wise, but they will have to continue to build a strong core as they look to be a Super Bowl contender this coming season.