The Washington Commanders are entering a new era after trading defensive ends Chase Young and Montez Sweat ahead of the NFL Trade Deadline.
The team also has a new general manager in Adam Peters, who spent seven years with the San Francisco 49ers, one of the most successful teams in the NFL in that span. The Niners made two Super Bowls in Peters' tenure, and the Commanders hope they can replicate that kind of success.
Part of Peters' first draft will likely task him with drafting defensive linemen to replace Young and Sweat.
Here's a look at Peters' history with the Niners when it comes to drafting defensive linemen ...
Defensive line:
2017: Solomon Thomas - 1st round (3)
2017: D.J. Jones - 6th round (198)
2018: Kentavius Street - 4th round (128)
2018: Julian Taylor - 7th round (223)
2019: Nick Bosa - 1st round (2)
2020: Javon Kinlaw - 1st round (14)
2022: Drake Jackson - 2nd round (61)
2022: Kalia Davis - 6th round (220)
Sometimes the best pick is the most obvious one, and that was the case when San Francisco drafted Bosa in 2019 with the No. 2 overall pick.
While Bosa has panned out, the same can't be said for the other defensive linemen the 49ers have taken in the first round. Thomas is no longer with the team, while Kinlaw didn't have his fifth-year option picked up and is set to be a free agent this offseason.
The interior of the Commanders' defensive line is arguably the team's biggest strength with Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. Washington desperately needs to add pass rushers if the defense is going to improve with Dan Quinn as head coach. Players like Bosa only come around so often, so being able to find pass rushers in the draft is an area Peters definitely can improve in.
Other defensive linemen that have played for the Niners like DeForest Buckner and Arik Armstead have been gems, but both were drafted before Peters arrived in San Francisco.
Perhaps his fortunes will change with the Commanders, because if it doesn't, there will be an issue long-term.
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