Commanders GM Adam Peters Has Strong History in WR Draft Prospects
The 2023 NFL Draft snapped a nine-year streak where Washington selected a receiver, but with a new regime in town ... could a new streak begin?
New general manager Adam Peters also has a lot of experience drafting receivers, especially during his time with the San Francisco 49ers under John Lynch.
Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters.
Clutch Points
Here's a look at his receiver draft picks during his time with the team ...
Receiver:
2017: Trent Taylor - 5th round (177)
2018: Dante Pettis - 2nd round (44)
2018: Richie James - 7th round (240)
2019: Deebo Samuel - 2nd round (36)
2019: Jalen Hurd - 3rd round (67)
2020: Brandon Aiyuk - 1st round (25)
2020: Jauan Jennings - 7th round (217)
2022: Danny Gray - 3rd round (105)
2023: Ronnie Bell - 7th round (253)
Analysis: The 2019 and 2020 drafts ultimately built out the receiver room for one of the best offenses in football.
Samuel has become a do-it-all threat both in the receiving and running game, while Aiyuk, who San Francisco traded up for, has established himself as a bonafide No. 1 receiver. Jennings has become a relatively reliable target and showed his worth in the Super Bowl with four catches for 42 yards and a touchdown.
The 49ers' history of drafting receivers also showed they're not afraid to double-dip at the position if there are multiple guys they like.
Could this mean the Commanders will return to the receiver pond in the draft? If they do, look for them to take some uber-athletic guys. Samuel and Jennings are examples of non-traditional receivers who have become high-octane guys in big offenses, so if Peters can bring some of that to Washington, maybe the Commanders will have some shades of San Francisco into their offense.
