Washington Trade Back Brought Value Not Quarterback Controversy

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May 5, 2022

By David Earl

Quick Hit

Passing on Jaquan Brisker (a safety from Penn State) was not only the triggering point for me but seeing the Bears draft him immediately afterward was the proverbial “straw that broke the camel’s back” for me and my armchair GM role. He not only filled a need in the secondary but was one of the top players on the board for many. I guess the most aggravating part was that Washington created a need unnecessarily but did not use foresight in allowing Tim Settle to walk on a reasonable 2 year, $9 million deal knowing Daron Payne is likely to walk. This isn’t a knock against Phidarian Mathis nearly as much as the sequence of events that led to his pick in the 2nd round but there is also a reason why I am not an NFL general manager. With that out of the way let’s get into the draft.

The Trade Back

The initial reaction, myself included, as Washington traded back was to think that at least Chris Olave would slide with the outside chance that Kyle Hamilton would as well, only to watch Olave, Williams, and Hamilton all come off the board in consecutive picks. Needless to say, the outrage poured out among the fan base.  After that sequence accompanied by the team passing on Treylon Burks for Jahan Dotson made me think that he might possibly have been part of the plan as well. It is not a far-fetched idea to think Dotson was truly part of this decision as a more than suitable pick while looking to acquire more assets. Before I compare the players, Dotson vs. Olave, let’s review the rest of the players Washington ultimately got in return.

Brian Robinson Jr, RB: A true between the tackles runner with enough speed to catch the edge, Brian Robinson provides an aspect to this offense that Washington last had with “1 yard and a cloud” dust Peyton Barber. Unlike Barber though, Robinson provides better vision and more elusiveness against defensive penetration to gain positive yards. He is a freight train of a running back with reliable hands that is not only a short yardage back but someone who can really push Antonio Gibson for carries if he doesn’t fix his ball security issues.

Sam Howell, QB: A projected early second round pick (some had him as a late first round pick) being grabbed in the 5th round was both a value pick and a steal. Washington, needing a competent third quarterback to develop on the roster, potentially got more than they could have imagined. The reason’s for Howell’s slide are debatable. Some will talk about his regression from his 2020 season where he was considered a top overall pick. Others note the poor skill position players around him this past season forced him to press too much. Whichever side you stand on, the common theme among everyone is that his talent far outweighs the draft position. Howell has the talent and tools to develop into at least a good low-level starter in this league.

Cole Turner, TE: One could argue Washington drafted a projected 6th-7th rounder tight end in Cole Turner too early but his size, catch radius, and how he utilizes his large frame against the defender make him an intriguing prospect. His game still needs polishing, such as run blocking, overall footwork, and his play strength against linebackers, but his ceiling is tantalizing. As of today, heading into week 1, Turner has good potential and could be utilized in the red zone and on goal line passing downs.

Jahan Dotson vs. Chris Olave: Their NFL comparisons speak for themselves (Emmanual Sanders and Terry McLaurin, respectively) and there is no denying the scouts had Olave much higher than Dotson but the gap is not great either. Both wide receivers are polished route runners, adjust to the ball exceptionally well, and routinely can make that highlight reel 50/50 ball reception. Olave is quicker out of the break and has better top end speed but Dotson showed more elusiveness selling one route than breaking into another plus had one of the best catch percentages in all of college football. Dotson is also a consummate professional always looking to improve and has great leadership traits, which Ron Rivera loves and this team sorely needs. When looking at the big picture, Dotson seems to be that perfect complement to McLaurin so as long as the dropoff from Olave isn’t that great, the trade back made sense and brought significant value in return.

Overall Trade Back Grade: B-

Prior Strength Turned Need Forged Phidarian Mathis Pick?

Defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis, Washington’s second-round selection, is a mountain of a man from Alabama who is a classic run stopper. He will certainly move the pocket as a strong piece against the run and will provide some pressure on passing downs. His versatility in playing multiple defensive schemes and his leadership attributes is, once again, what Ron Rivera covets. Whether you believe the analysts saying he was drafted a round early or the team’s front office in that he would have been gone within the next 10 picks, the Mathis pick just smells of negligence. Maybe it’s more a terrible opinion or bad optics on my end, but this front office seems to have shown zero foresight in allowing Tim Settle to walk for a manageable contract and releasing Matthew Ioannidis knowing full well Daron Payne was never signing a long term deal. That decision had a ripple effect in passing a near-immediate impact starter week 1 in Penn State safety Jaquan Brisker for what essentially should have been a depth piece now turned needed starter in Mathis. I am sure Mathis will offer nice value in the future but that could have been had by keeping Tim Settle and then immediately improving the team’s starting defense by drafting Brisker. This pick just screams admitting to a mistake rather than drafting the best player available at your most pressing defensive need area but time will tell.

Pick Grade: C-

QB Controversy? I Think Not.

Pete Hailey posted an article, Sam Howell Just Got Draft And There’s Already A QB Controversy based off Daniel Jeremiah’s following tweet:

Well let’s keep this short and simple: Howell was not drafted to create a controversy but because he was of unbelievable value on their board and fill the team’s need for a number three quarterback. Yes, there is some history of Sam being regarded as a franchise guy 2 years ago with the idea that last season was just an aberration but there is also a reason why he fell to the 5th round. He may one day be a good mid-level starter in the NFL but Rivera has given 100% commitment to Carson Wentz which showed in his class move of informing Wentz of the Howell pick before it was announced. Howell was a great value pick for a position of need and not because of a lack of confidence in Carson Wentz. Besides, if a 5th round rookie quarterback worries and upsets Carson Wentz then he is not Washington’s guy going forward.

Level of QB Controversy: Relax; it’s very slim