Over the years the Washington Commanders haven’t produced results with their second-round draft picks. For whatever reason that round hasn’t been as kind as the third round during the NFL draft.
There is a number two or second that is shaping up to be more important, however, to the teams’ immediate success.
The two that will determine Washington’s fate this season and perhaps future campaigns is the number of second-year players who will play prominent roles when the season kicks off next week against the Arizona Cardinals.
Here is a list of eight second-year players who can help fans and coaches alike forget the negativity surrounding the number two.
QB Sam Howell.
The Commander’s fate this season is tied to the second-year players’ rise to the starting signal caller. Howell has looked comfortable and poised throughout training camp and preseason. He has all of the intangibles to perhaps make fans forget the three decades of saga of the franchise not having a long-term answer at the most important position on the field.
Howell should benefit from tutelage under new offensive coordinator Eric Bienenimy in an offense that has produced the meteoric rise of Patrick Mahomes.
If all goes well, Howell could be the face of the new Commanders franchise for the foreseeable future.
RB Brian Robinson Jr.
Last year Robinson was having an outstanding training camp and had secured the starting running back position when he was shot in an attempted car-jacking.
Fortunately for Robinson, the shooting didn’t cost him his life or livelihood. The former Alabama star worked diligently to return to form and showed flashes of elite back skills.
This season in Bieniemy’s offense he will be asked to show another facet of his game – catching balls out of the backfield. Throughout camp, he has made nice plays with his hands to go along with his physical running style.
More will be asked of Robinson in year two. He seems capable of a breakout campaign.
WR Jahan Dotson
The former Penn State standout looks to make a name for himself as one of the best young receivers in the NFL.
All of the attributes to do so are present in Dotson’s game. He’s a supreme route runner who gets separation from would-be defenders. Speed and quickness are also parts of Dotson’s repertoire.
A season in a new offense that will allow him to utilize his special traits should increase the promising production of a rookie season that saw Dotson post impressive numbers in just 12 games. Last year the PA native produced 35 catches for 536 yards and seven touchdowns. His touchdown count led all rookies.
TE Cole Turner
Selected in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Turner possesses great size at 6’6 240 pounds. He’s a converted tight end after playing wide receiver for his first three seasons in college at Nevada.
Turner has a chance to hit the field often with the pending health of veteran Logan Thomas in question. Thomas has all of the attributes to excel in Bieniemy’s offense and could be a player to keep an eye on.
That wraps up the top four prospects who should produce instant results. Here are four remaining players who have a chance to make steady gains on the field this season.
S Percy Butler
The Louisiana product enters his second season as a valuable depth piece in the secondary.
In his inaugural campaign, Butler appeared in 15 games producing 11 tackles (9 solo) and a pass breakup.
OL Chris Paul
The second-year player from Tulsa has risen to be one of the offensive lines’ better prospects. Although he still needs time to develop he has a chance to start or play meaningful minutes this season.
The offensive line and Paul will have a lot to say about how productive the offense can be as a whole.
CB Christian Holmes
A physical corner who plays with aggression, Holmes battled a deep field of worthy players in the secondary to make the final 53-man roster. His 6’1 205 lb frame should serve him well in a variety of nickel packages the Commanders defense will utilize this season.
TE Curtis Hodges
At 6’8, Hodges towers over most would-be defenders. Size can’t be taught and the former Arizona State player has also bulked up since his rookie campaign. His 240-pound frame should serve him well should he receive meaningful game reps.
Hodges will have to work on his hands, however, as he dropped several catchable balls throughout camp.
Washington is counting on these eight second-year players to continue the youth movement that has taken place since coach Ron Rivera has taken over.