Commanders second-round pick didn’t expect to be drafted ‘that early’

The Washington Commanders surprised many with their second-round selection in Friday’s draft, including the draft pick himself. The Commanders selected Alabama defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis with the 47th overall pick. He admitted he wasn’t expected to be drafted so early.

“I was thinking at least third, somewhere in the third round,” Mathis told reporters per Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post. “Third or fourth round, that’s just what me and my agent thought. That’s just feedback we were getting. It most definitely wasn’t expected that early.”

Mathis is a gap stuffer. He stands at 6-foot-4 and 312 pounds. He was a leader and captain for the Crimson Tide. But even still, it’s safe to say the Commanders reached for his selection.

What makes the selection of Mathis more head-scratching is the fact the Commanders acquired a third-round pick (98th overall) and a second fourth-round pick (120) in a trade in the first round.

Picks that Mathis may have been available. Mathis wasn’t the only Commanders’ pick to be surprised to be drafted earlier than expected. Thursday’s first-round pick wide receiver Jahan Dotson was selected 16th. Instead of watching his selection, he was watching an NBA playoff game.

Wondering what kind of Intel the Commanders for their evaluations where players could be drafted.

“It was crazy. Most definitely it wasn’t expected, especially not that early. It was crazy for me and my family. It’s a big blessing. I’m just happy to be a part of a great team,” Mathis added.

Mathis said he had hats of other teams but not a Commanders’ hat. Thus, his father had to improvise.

Phidarian Mathis: "Crazy thing was, we could not find a hat…My dad was coming through from Atlanta and he said he found this hat. It’s not the Commanders hat; it just says Washington. I told my dad, ‘Man, it’s gonna be crazy if they call me and it’s the only hat I don’t have.’” pic.twitter.com/PSsIE9ttlP— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) April 30, 2022

Meanwhile, he’ll join two fellow Crimson Tide interior defensive linemen in Jonathan Allen, a captain, and Daron Payne. However, Payne could be on his way out of Washington. 

The Commanders are reportedly not expected to offer Payne a contract extension. He will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2022 season without a new deal from Washington.

That’s a road Mathis will cross later. For now he sees the early selection as a blessing.