5 players the Commanders could have drafted over Phidarian Mathis in 2022

The Washington Commanders are gearing up to welcome veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen back for their crunch Week 17 clash against the Atlanta Falcons. He's been officially activated to the 53-man roster and could feature in some capacity. That was always going to come with collateral damage.

Washington waived Phidarian Mathis to make room for Allen. This was a likely scenario for the interior presence. Despite being beloved in the locker room, his performances weren't up to the required standard and he became an afterthought in recent weeks.

This is another high-end draft selection made by Ron Rivera that couldn't meet expectations. It was a head-scratching pick at the time when one considers the investments already made in Washington's defensive front beforehand. Injuries and poor production ensured it was a swing and a miss.

Rivera couldn't get key decisions right regarding personnel. General manager Adam Peters has spent the best part of a year trying to rectify this complication — something he's done remarkably well to put the Commanders way ahead of schedule in Year 1 of this drastic rebuild.

These plans won't include Mathis moving forward. Hindsight is a wonderful thing to have, but these five players would have been far better selections by Rivera at No. 47 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Players the Commanders could have drafted over Phidarian Mathis

Commanders could have drafted George Pickens

The Washington Commanders have been searching for a prominent pass-catcher to put alongside Terry McLaurin long-term. Had they taken a chance on George Pickens, they'd have solved this complex riddle.

Pickens is a fiery individual who plays right on the edge. He never shirks a challenge and plays with a swagger that can rile people up the wrong way. However, the wideout's talent is undeniable.

The former Georgia standout is enjoying a fantastic year with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He's emerged as their true No. 1 option over the last two seasons, boasting slick route running, blazing speed, and contested catch prowess that's seen him emerge as one of the league's most dynamic threats.

It seems like Pickens is always a powder keg waiting to go off. But if he'd landed in Washington, having a respected leader such as McLaurin would have kept complications to a minimum.

Commanders could have drafted Trey McBride

The Washington Commanders have been searching for a consistent pass-catching tight end for some time. Logan Thomas was solid if not spectacular before his release this year. Veteran Zach Ertz emerged as a tremendous asset but isn't getting any younger.

Ben Sinnott, who was taken No. 53 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, remains an unknown quantity despite flashing promise. It remains to be seen whether he's got enough to become the complete package, but Trey McBride was there for the taking before Ron Rivera went with Phidarian Mathis instead.

McBride was eased in gradually behind Ertz as a rookie. When he finally got an opportunity to start frequently, the former Colorado State star flourished.

He's emerged as one of the league's most prolific pass-catching tight ends this season, going over 1,000 receiving yards and finally getting his first touchdown this weekend against the Los Angeles Rams. McBride's brought in 64 percent of his targets and is a trusted outlet for Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray. And he's only just beginning.

This would have been a home-run hit by the Commanders.

Commanders could have drafted Nik Bonitto

Generating pressure was a difficult task for the Commanders throughout almost the entirety of Ron Rivera's head coaching tenure. Things look a little more promising of late, but it would be a surprise if Washington didn't address this need for another accomplished edge-rushing performer at some stage during the offseason.

No team can ever have enough good pass-rushers. If the Commanders had gone with Nik Bonitto over Phidarian Mathis at No. 47 overall in 2022, they'd have a much more dynamic presence to call upon.

Much like the situation with Trey McBride in Arizona, the Denver Broncos took things slowly with Bonitto before unleashing him in Year 2 of his professional career. He gained 8.5 sacks last time out and took his game to completely different heights during the current campaign.

Bonitto's been a revelation this season, gaining 11.5 sacks, 22 quarterback hits, and 32 pressures as a result of his exceptional efforts. He's firmly in Pro Bowl consideration and looks like a franchise cornerstone piece for Denver to build around long-term.

The Commanders could use someone like that right now. Although the likes of Dante Fowler Jr., Dorance Armstrong Jr., and Frankie Luvu are providing sufficient production for now.

Commanders could have drafted Jaquan Brisker

The Washington Commanders have completely gutted their safety room since general manager Adam Peters became general manager. Kamren Curl and Darrick Forrest were a promising tandem once upon a time. The new regime thought they could do better with free-agent signing Jeremy Chinn and 2023 second-rounder Quan Martin.

They've upgraded matters and are good scheme fits within Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s system. Whether the Commanders will stand pat is another matter, but there needs to be continuity attached to this long-term vision for the future.

Jaquan Brisker was taken one spot after Phidarian Mathis in the 2022 NFL Draft. His first two seasons with the Chicago Bears were exceptional, going over 100 tackles and providing assured support on the backend during his seamless transition from college to the pros.

Although Brisker's dealt with injury issues this season, he remains a highly talent individual who would have been a significant asset for the Commanders. The former Penn State standout is fast, physical, and can get after the quarterback on blitzes when the situation dictates. Deploying him in this new scheme is a mouth-watering proposition.

Commanders could have drafted James Cook

The Commanders had Antonio Gibson as their pass-catching running back in 2022. He'd done relatively well in difficult circumstances, but it didn't stop Ron Rivera from drafting Brian Robinson Jr. in the third round to provide a more physical presence.

Robinson overcame significant adversity to become a solid contributor. His two fumbles against the Philadelphia Eagles weren't ideal, but the good work far outweighs the bad this season.

Even so, one could make a strong case for James Cook being an upgrade on anything the Commanders currently have in the backfield alongside rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.

The brother of Dalvin Cook made a name for himself quickly. Cook's been nothing short of a sensation for the Buffalo Bills over the last two seasons. His 16 combined touchdowns in 2024 are one of many impressive statistics accumulated by the dual-threat throughout the campaign.

With 3,440 all-purpose yards and 25 scores during his three-year career to date, Cook is firmly established as a feared force with the football in his hands. He's also someone the Commanders should have considered over Mathis, who was a luxury Rivera couldn't afford.

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