Commanders have found success in third-round of recent NFL drafts

Over the past five NFL Drafts, the Washington Commanders have found great success with their round-three selections.

Everything started under former coach Jay Gruden’s helm with the selection of current Pro Bowl wideout Terry McLaurin.

The former Ohio State standout and 76th pick in the 2019 draft has become one of the best wideouts in the game and is the face of the Commanders franchise.

McLaurin has amassed 299 receptions for 4,281 yards and 21 touchdowns to date. His value on and off the field has made his round-three selection one of the best value selections in Washington history.

The 3rd round of the draft has been good to the @Commanders. Over the past five drafts they’ve selected.

Terry McLaurin – 2019
Antonio Gibson – 2020
Benji St-Juste – 2021
Dyami Brown – 2021
Brian Robinson Jr. – 2022

This year they took O-Lineman Ricky Stromberg in RD-3. pic.twitter.com/51RdkWZYEx

— Lake Lewis Jr (@LakeLewisJr) May 3, 2023

Current coach Ron Rivera was hired in 2020 and has had success with his third-round selections. Rivera’s first-ever 3rd-RD pick was running back Antonio Gibson.

The 66th pick in the 2020 draft, Gibson has been a steady contributor on offense and has produced 2,378 yards with 21 touchdowns for his career. His best campaign was during the 2021 season where he posted 1,037 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. That same season he hauled in 42 receptions and three receiving touchdowns.

In the third round of the 2021 draft, Washington had two selections in CB Benji St-Juste (pick 74) and WR Dyami Brown (pick 82).

St-Juste has played well to start his career and is poised to be a starting corner for years to come in Washington. Brown has shown flashes and had a breakout game last season when he hauled in two touchdown catches against the Tennessee Titans.

Last season the Commanders selected former Alabama standout running back, Brian Robinson Jr.

The 98th pick in the 2021 draft, Robinson’s NFL start was delayed due to a carjacking in Washington, DC where he was shot in the leg.

Robinson only played in 12 games but made his presence felt immediately and secured the starting running back spot. On the season he rushed for 797 yards along with two touchdowns.

This season Washington selected offensive lineman Ricky Stromberg out of Arkansas.

If recent history stands correct, Stromberg can get significant playing time and hopefully continue the positive results of the round-three selections.