NFL DRAFT REVIEW: Washington Football Team
Round 1 Pick 19: Jamin Davis (LB, Kentucky)
One of the best linebackers in this draft comes off the board here. Davis provides an already solid defensive unit with solid run support and enough athleticism to make plays in coverage from his position. Jamin (pronounced JAY-min) only has a handful of starts, yet has improved year after year. I believe he’ll be an immediate help to the interior of that defense.
Round 2 Pick 51: Sam Cosmi (OT, Texas)
With a need at the tackle spot, WFT chose this 6’6 mountain of a player in Cosmi. A player who performed better than any other at his position against the top opponents, he should have the opportunity to play early on so we’ll see if that play translates to the next level.
Round 3 Pick 74: Benjamin St-Juste (CB, Minnesota)
The departure of Ronald Darby, Washington selects St-Justice to fill some depth along the back end of the defense. A solid tackler who showed great coverage skills, although in limited time in 2020
Round 3 Pick 82: Dyami Brown (WR, UNC)
Considered a steal, grabbing the speedy deep threat out of North Carolina in the third round. Brown led the nation in catches, yards and touchdowns on go routes since 2019 which could open up the secondary for Curtis Samuel and Terry McLaurin.
Round 4 Pick 124: John Bates (TE, Boise State)
Bates ranked second in pass and run blocking amongst his position group in this draft class. Not going to wow anyone with his receiving ability, however, he can be worked into the passing game.
Round 5 Pick 163: Darrick Forrest (S, Cincinnati)
A theme for WFT seemed to keep up here with another good tackling, solid coverage DB to fill out the defensive backfield.
Round 6 Pick 225: Camaron Cheeseman (LS, Michigan)
The best long snapper officially off the board here.
Round 7 Pick 240: Will Bradley-King (DE, Baylor)
A proven pass rusher and sack master in college. Bradley-King will be perfectly used in sub packages if he can find a spot in that stacked defensive front.
Round 7 Pick 246: Shaka Toney (EDGE, Penn State)
Some considered Toney to go earlier than the last round. 20 sacks over a four year career and the third highest graded player at this past year’s Senior Bowl may be considered a steal
Round 7 Pick 258: Dax Mine (WR, BYU)
Taking NY Jets second overall pick, Zach Wilson’s favorite target in the last round isn’t a bad move at all. To top it off, Mine led the nation with a passer rating of 155.7 when targeted vs single coverage last season.
Overall Grade: A
Key Departures: DB-Ronald Darby, DE-Ryan Kerrigan, DB-Fabian Moreau, LB-Kevin Pierre-Louis
Key Additions: DB-William Jackson lll, WR-Curtis Samuel, WR-Adam Humphries, QB-Ryan Fitzpatrick, DB-Bobby McCain
Season Outlook
Facing off against the AFC West and NFC South presents some challenges for the WFT this coming season. I believe they can make a playoff run depending on how 16-year veteran QB, Ryan Fitzpatrick or backup “spot starter” Taylor Heinicke perform during this year. The team looks good on paper and I see them making a push for the playoffs.
Predicted record: 9-8
