Washington Commanders’ Week Two Rookie Grades

How did the Washington Commanders’ rookies perform this past week against the Detroit Lions? We got grades for all of them!

The Washington Commanders lost to the Detroit Lions 27-36, but that doesn’t mean it was a completely hopeless outing. Let’s see just how good the Commanders’ rookies really were.

WR Jahan Dotson – A

Jahan Dotson has been one of the most prolific rookie receivers so far in this young season, as he is tied for second in the league with three touchdown grabs. Despite the loss to the Lions, Jahan Dotson was spectacular anytime he touched the ball. Dotson played 75 offensive snaps, 99% of the total offensive snaps of the ball game, and caught four passes on five targets for 59 receiving yards, and most importantly a big-time touchdown grab. While Dotson hasn’t had high-volume production, he has provided a big spark any time Carson Wentz has looked his way. Dotson has shown that he is a real threat opposite Curtis Samuel and Terry McLaurin, providing a huge spark to the Commanders’ offense. PFF has graded Dotson as the 41^st best receiver out of 107 qualified receivers so far this season and had a week 2 grade of 69.3, good enough for the 5th-best best rookie WR from week 2.

DT Phidarian Mathis – N/A

Phidarian Mathis tore his left MCL in his NFL debut against the Jacksonville Jaguars in week 1. He is expected to miss the remainder of the 2022 season.

RB Brian Robinson – N/A

Brian Robinson has yet to play this season after recovering from a shooting in an attempted carjacking on August 28^th, 2022. Robinson was shot twice in his lower body, but according to reports is making excellent progress in his recovery and could make his NFL debut as early as week 5.

S Percy Butler – B

The rookie safety out of Louisiana was the Commanders’ fourth-round selection in the 2022, and as expected he has played sparingly. While the Commanders’ other young safety, Darrick Forrest, has been a pleasant surprise and a bright spot on a struggling defense, Percy Butler has played mostly on special teams so far. Butler played 19 special teams snaps and 3 defensive snaps against the Lions on Sunday, and did not make any notable mistakes after allowing two receptions and a touchdown against the Jaguars in week 1. PFF has Butler graded at 45.6, but does have Butler graded at 60.9 on pass coverage, a solid number for a rotational safety who mainly plays on special teams.

QB Sam Howell – N/A

The rookie QB from North Carolina was inactive for the Commanders’ contest against the Lions. The fifth-round draft selection has yet to suit up for a regular season NFL game, which was expected.

TE Cole Turner – N/A

Yet another Commanders’ rookie who has not played yet due to injury, the fifth-round draft selection out of Nevada was thought to have made his NFL debut against the Lions, but was held out due to a nagging hamstring injury. Turner impressed during the preseason, and should hopefully make his NFL debut in week 3 against the Eagles if there are not any setbacks.

G Chris Paul – N/A

The seventh-round guard out of Tulsa was inactive for the Commanders’ contest against the Lions. Paul impressed enough during training camp and preseason to make a roster spot, and is listed as a second string on the depth chart. However, Paul may see action soon with center Chase Roullier and guards Wes Schweitzer and Saahdiq Charles dealing with injury.

CB Christian Holmes – B+

The seventh-round CB from Oklahoma State has played solely on special teams, and has been a solid special teams player so far. Holmes played 27 special teams snaps on Sunday against the Lions, and has been a solid contributor to the special teams squad. Not every player needs to be a starting player to make impact, and Holmes has taken advantage of his opportunities where he gets them and made a solid impact on the Commanders’ special teams unit.

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