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.
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.
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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.