The Washington Football Team’s 2021 draft class is complete!

The 2021 NFL Draft is officially over and Washington had the the second-to-last pick to close out this year. Washington ended up with a total of 10 picks after making a late trade with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Washington opened up the draft by going with a defensive player that they loved. Kentucky LB Jamin Davis was the fastest-rising prospect in this year’s draft, and he checked all the boxes for Ron Rivera. Washington feels that he can be the 3-down, versatile LB that they need to put their defense over the top. The rookie has only been a starter for one season, but will step in behind the best defensive line in the league.

The second round brought a new offensive tackle to Washington. Texas OT Sam Cosmi will come in to compete for the starting LT job against Cornelius Lucas and Geron Christian Sr. who both started games last season. Cosmi is an athletic freak who needs some refinement to his technique which he will get under OL Coach John Matsko. Washington is likely comfortable with Lucas starting again this year if Cosmi isn’t ready, but they got a promising player for their long-term plans.

Washington had an additional draft pick in the 3rd round this year due to the Trent Williams trade. They got a 5th last year that was used on OL Keith Ismael, and they used the 3rd they got this year on Minnesota CB Benjamin St-Juste. A big, long corner gets added to Washington’s secondary, and he has versatility to be used in multiple spots. Washington closed out Day 2 by getting another speedy weapon on offense. North Carolina WR Dyami Brown was a big play machine over the last two seasons, and will bring that talent to the NFC East. He joins a WR corp that is already full of speed with Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel.

Washington stayed on the offensive side of the ball to open up Day 3 by selecting Boise State TE John Bates. He is another athletic player that has versatility, and can help on special teams right away. Bates had limited production in college, but says he wasn’t used as much as he could have been in the passing game. He loves blocking in the run game, and could see a lot of snaps early in a thin TE group.

Round 5 brought a safety to town when Washington drafted Cincinnati’s Darrick Forrest. He will help immediately on special teams, and compete for playing time with a group that is ready for change. Kamren Curl broke out last season after Landon Collins went down with an Achilles injury. Deshazor Everett and Jeremy Reaves also flashed when given the chance. Washington is still looking for a long-term solution at the position.

The Draft took an odd turn when Washington made their trade with the Eagles to acquire a 6th and a 7th this year for next year’s 5th. Washington filled a need that a lot of people will call a reach by taking Michigan LS Camaron Cheeseman. The Carolina Panthers actually started the mini-LS run three picks earlier. Cheeseman will be locked in as Nick Sundberg’s replacement going into the season.

A lot of people were wondering if Washington would address their DE depth in the draft, if they would look to sign an UDFA, or if they would sign a veteran after the draft(cough, Ryan Kerrigan, cough). They answered that question by taking two DEs back to back to start the 7th round. Baylor’s William Bradley-King was first up, and Penn State’s Shaka Toney quickly followed. Washington closed out their 10-man draft class with BYU WR Dax Milne with the 2nd-to-last pick of the night.

How did Washington do in the draft this year? Where did they miss? Which was your favorite pick?

Washington’s draft picks:

Round 1(#19): Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky

Round 2(#51): Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas

Round 3(#74): Benjamin St-Juste, CB, Minnesota

Round 3(#82): Dyami Brown, WR, North Carolina

Round 4(#124): John Bates, TE, Boise State

Round 5(#163): Darrick Forrest, S, Cincinnati

Round 6(#225): Camaron Cheeseman, LS, Michigan

Round 7(#240): William Bradley-King, DE, Baylor

Round 7(#246): Shaka Toney, DE, Penn State

Round 7(#258): Dax Milne, WR, BYU