The Washington Commanders were absolutely decisive in selecting Jahan Dotson.
New video coverage of the 2022 NFL draft first round was released Saturday by the Commanders. The video reveals the trio of Ron Rivera, Martin Mayhew and Marty Hurney had already discussed selecting Jahan Dotson. Consequently, when they were on the clock, they were pleased Dotson was still available and had no doubt he was their best option at 16th overall.
“One thing that sorta gets misunderstood, it’s not really where you pick, it’s who you pick,” Mayhew clarifies.
After early discussions that evening with New Orleans regarding trading back to the 16th overall selection, Rivera is seen on the video saying, “If we get 16” and Hurney is heard to reply, “yes”.
Rivera then continues his thought, “I was talking with Martin; call Green Bay. They have to come away with at least one receiver.” Green Bay held the 22nd overall selection. Rivera thinking the Packers might be willing to trade up to grab a receiver, was more than willing to trade back from 11 overall to 22nd.
This is significant because it unveils the trio wanted to redeem the draft choices the Commanders had sent to Indianapolis in the Carson Wentz trade. Washington had relinquished two third-round choices to the Colts, one in 2022 and one in 2023. The latter actually is conditional and becomes a second-rounder if Wentz plays 70 percent of the Commanders offensive snaps in 2022.
However at 9:03 pm, when talking with Green Bay GM Brian Gutekunst, Mayhew learns that the Packers were willing to trade only the 53rd overall choice to swap their 22nd overall for Washington’s 11th overall selection. Mayhew is heard informing Rivera, “They will do 53rd and that’s it.”
Mayhew then updates Rivera that the player the Saints want at No. 11 is still on the board. At this point, Rivera asks Mayhew, “Which is the best deal?” Rivera is asking if the Green Bay or New Orleans deal would be best for Washington.
At 9:14 pm, Mayhew is on the phone with Jeff Ireland, the assistant GM for New Orleans. Mayhew is heard to confirm, “You will do a 3 and a 4?” That is, the Saints were willing to trade both a third and fourth rounder to Washington to exchange places in the first round. The Saints would move up to 11th and Washington down to 16th overall.
Mayhew then confirms the choices the Commanders will receive will be the 98th and 120th overall selections. He then looks to Hurney and Rivera for confirmation. Hurney gives the thumbs up approval and Rivera nods affirmatively as well. They had their deal. Washington chose the trade with New Orleans over Green Bay’s offer. New Orleans with the 11th pick chose Ohio State receiver Chris Olave.
The Houston Texans pick at 15th is announced to be Kenyon Green, offensive lineman Texas A&M. The Commanders were to select next. Hurney sounds surprised, “Kenyon Green?” Instantly Rivera turns to Mayhew, “Let’s do Dotson.” Hurney rises out of his chair, approaches Mayhew, “We gotta take Dotson.”
The phone rings. It is Pittsburgh calling to trade up to 16. Another phone rings and it is the Jets wanting to trade up to 16 as well. Did the two AFC teams want the same player at 16? We may never know.
But we do know Rivera was grinning, and without hesitation Rivera, Hurney and Mayhew each immediately wanted Dotson, when they saw he was available at No. 16.