Commanders Need LB in Draft; Can GM Adam Peters Help?
The Washington Commanders are in need of some linebacker help as they try to improve the league's worst defense from 2023.
Luckily for them, new general manager Adam Peters has a pretty good track record of helping find linebackers from his time with the San Francisco 49ers.
Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Here's a look at all the linebackers drafted during his run under John Lynch's front office with the Niners ...
2017: Reuben Foster - 1st round (31)
2017: Pita Taumoepenu - 6th round (202)
2018: Fred Warner - 3rd round (70)
2019: Dre Greenlaw - 5th round (148)
2023: Robert Beal - 5th round (173)
2023: Dee Winters - 6th round (216)
Finding a cornerstone piece on defense beyond the first two rounds can be tough, but the 49ers found two in Warner and Greenlaw.
Warner has a claim to being the best linebacker in football as he's made three All-Pro teams through his first six seasons in the NFL, and Greenlaw could be the top linebacker on many teams.
San Francisco landing both players outside of the first two rounds is a testament to the team's scouting and ability to know how it can navigate the draft. If Peters can land a linebacker or two of Warner or Greenlaw's caliber, it would completely change a Commanders defense that was the worst in football last season.
The NFL Draft is scheduled for April 25-27.
