Washington Commanders Draft Defensive End Javontae Jean-Baptiste

The Washington Commanders drafted former Notre Dame defensive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste
Notre Dame defensive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste
Notre Dame defensive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste / Angela Driskell, Irish Breakdown
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The Washington Commanders selected former Notre Dame defensive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Jean-Baptiste was chosen by the Commanders with the No. 222 overall pick. It marks the second straight season that Notre Dame has had a defensive end drafted in back-to-back years.

Jean-Baptiste transferred to Notre Dame for the 2023 season after spending the previous five seasons at Ohio State. During his five years with the Buckeyes, Jean-Baptiste had 51 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and eight sacks.

The New Jersey native had a breakout campaign with the Irish and was a key member in a defensive line that fueled the defense. Notre Dame finished the season with the 7th best scoring defense (15.9) in college football, the 5th best defense in fewest yards allowed per game (276.3) and 5th in the country in fewest yards allowed per play (4.4). Jean-Baptiste finished his one season in South Bend with 49 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and five sacks.

Jean-Baptiste was an impact pass rusher for Notre Dame. He finished second on the defense with 38 total quarterback pressures, which was just one behind All-American DT Howard Cross. Jean-Baptiste led the Irish defense with 16 combined hits on the quarterback (hits + sacks). He had more pressures and more hits on the quarterback in 2023 than former Irish standout - and 2023 second round draft pick - Isaiah Foskey had in 2022.

The surprise with Jean-Baptiste was how effective he was against the run. He finished the 2023 season with 28 run stops (PFF) and led the Irish defense with 10.5 tackles for loss. His 28 run stops was also more than what Foskey produced in 2022. Jean-Baptiste also proved himself to be a big game and big moment player by shining in several big moments this season. His pressures on USC quarterback Caleb Williams played a big role in the Irish defense dominating Williams and the Trojan offense.

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Bryan Driskell

BRYAN DRISKELL

Bryan Driskell is the publisher of Irish Breakdown and has been covering Notre Dame football for over a decade. A former college football player and coach, Bryan and Irish Breakdown bring a level of expertise and analysis that is unmatched. From providing in depth looks at the Fighting Irish, breaking news stories and honest recruiting analysis, Irish Breakdown has everything Notre Dame football fans want and need. Bryan was previous a football analyst for Blue & Gold Illustrated before launching Irish Breakdown. He coached college football at Duquesne University, Muhlenberg College, Christopher Newport University, Wittenberg University and Defiance College. During his coaching career he was a pass game coordinator, recruiting coordinator, quarterbacks coach, running backs coach and wide receivers coach. Bryan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Salisbury University, where he played quarterback for the Sea Gulls. You can email Bryan at bryan@irishbreakdown.com. Become a premium Irish Breakdown member, which grants you access to all of our premium content and our premium message board! Click on the link below for more. BECOME A MEMBER Be sure to stay locked into Irish Breakdown all the time! Follow Bryan on Twitter: @CoachD178Like and follow Irish Breakdown on FacebookSubscribe to the Irish Breakdown YouTube channelSubscribe to the Irish Breakdown podcast on iTunes Sign up for the FREE Irish Breakdown daily newsletter