The Washington Commanders were coming out of the early rounds of the 2022 NFL draft with a wide receiver. However, most expected Washington to leave the first round with either Drake London, Garrett Wilson, or Chris Olave.
Instead, Washington added more picks in a trade with the Saints, bypassing Olave and moving down five positions in the draft order. The Commanders entered the draft with only six selections, including no picks in the third and fifth rounds. In the trade with the Saints, Washington picked up a third-round and a fourth-round pick.
At No. 16, Washington drafted its receiver in Penn State’s Jahan Dotson. Did Washington reach for Dotson? According to ESPN’s John Keim, Dotson was one of Washington’s top four receivers on its board, meaning he was higher than at least one of the four wide receivers selected ahead of him. London was the top wideout on Washington’s board.
Washington has always liked Dotson throughout this process. Always heard his name among a group of 4 wideouts for them in the first round. Playmaker. Play strength has been a question, but … makes plays. Can also return punts.
— John Keim (@john_keim) April 29, 2022
How did other various media outlets view Washington’s selection of Dotson?