The 2023 NFL Draft ended Washington’s nine-year string of selecting a receiver, but with a new regime in place, might a new trend start? New general manager Adam Peters has extensive expertise drafting receivers, particularly with the San Francisco 49ers under John Lynch.
Here’s a look at his receiver draft picks during his time with the team … Receiver: 2017: Trent Taylor – 5th round (177) 2018: Dante Pettis – 2nd round (44) 2018: Richie James – 7th round (240) 2019: Deebo Samuel – 2nd round (36) 2019: Jalen Hurd – 3rd round (67) 2020: Brandon Aiyuk – 1st round (25) 2020: Jauan Jennings – 7th round (217) 2022: Danny Gray – 3rd round (105) 2023: Ronnie Bell – 7th round (253)
Analysis: The 2019 and 2020 rounds ultimately expanded the receiver room for one of the top offences in football.
Samuel has developed into a versatile danger in both the receiving and running games, while Aiyuk, whom San Francisco traded up for, has established himself as a legitimate No. 1 receiver. Jennings has developed into a somewhat reliable target, demonstrating his usefulness in the Super Bowl with four catches for 42 yards and a touchdown. The 49ers’ history of picking receivers also demonstrated that they are willing to double-dip at the position if they like numerous players.
Could this indicate that the Commanders will return to the receiver pond at the draft? If they do, expect them to take some incredibly athletic men. Samuel and Jennings are examples of non-traditional receivers who have emerged as high-octane players in major offences, so if Peters can bring some of that to Washington, the Commanders’ offence may have some San Francisco elements.
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