Inside the Iggles
FanSided

Grading every Philadelphia Eagles rival’s 2022 NFL Draft class

By Geoffrey Knox

Kayvon Thibodeaux, New York Giants (Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
Kayvon Thibodeaux, New York Giants (Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports) /
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Philadelphia Eagles
Washington Commanders (Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports) /

58. . . . Washington Commanders. . team

Could Washington ensure the Philadelphia Eagles won’t land in the cellar?

So, after further review, it appears that the Washington Commanders may not believe in Carson Wentz either. After trading a second-round choice in 2022, a third-round choice in 2023, and a conditional third-round pick in 2023 to acquire their quarterback of the moment and the Indianapolis Colts’ second and seventh-round selections, we’re hearing more and more often that he may serve as a ‘bridge’.

It makes sense, especially seeing as how they drafted Sam Howell in Round 5. His selection earns an A+ for a couple of reasons. One, some saw him as one of the class’s top three signal-callers. Second, landing him in Round 5 when Washington would have taken him much higher had Wentz not been acquired has to count for something.

Washington passed on Chris Olave, electing instead to trade back and acquire more picks. Here’s how the rest of the class looks.

  • Round 1, pick 16: Jahan Dotson, wide receiver from Penn State (B+)
  • Round 2, pick 47: Phidarian Mathis, defensive tackle, Alabama (A)
  • Round 3, pick 98: Brian Robinson Jr., running back, Alabama (B)
  • Round 4, pick 113: Percy Butler, safety, Louisiana (C)
  • Round 5, pick 144: Sam Howell, quarterback, North Carolina (B+)
  • Round 5, pick 149: Cole Turner, tight end, Nevada (B)
  • Round 7, pick 230: Chris Paul, guard, Tulsa (C)
  • Round 7, pick 240: Christian Holmes, CB, Oklahoma State (C)

Washington came into the selection meeting with some obvious needs. They needed to find weapons for Wentz (and some guys to protect him). They needed help at safety and along the interior of the defensive line. Why is obvious.

Tim Settle was lost to free agency. They cut Matt Ioannidis. Antonio Gibson is overworked (and underpaid).

They probably waited too long to address the O-line, drafting Chris Paul in Round 7, and with their needs at safety, one could argue that Percy Butler may not cure that need any, even if he does contribute on special teams. Overall Grade: B-

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