Based on pre-draft projections, some would argue the Washington Commanders reached in their second-round selection Alabama defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis. Mathis said he was surprised he went that early, saying his agent and he thought he would be picked later in the third or even fourth round.
However, Commanders head coach Ron Rivera didn’t believe Phidarian Mathis would have remained available much longer after the 47th overall pick Washington used on the talented defensive lineman.
Rivera added it’s the job of the agent to taper expectations.
Mathis’ agent, Nicole Lynn, quickly backed Rivera. She believes Mathis would have been chosen by some team within the next 10 picks or so.
It’s debatable if Mathis would’ve been picked in the second round. There were 17 picks after Washington before the end of the second round. Could he have been taken in the same round if Washington passed on him? We will never know.
Mathis’ projections ranged as high as 59 and as low as the fourth round in various mocks and projections. All that matters now is Washington got a player they wanted. Only time will tell if selecting him at No. 47 was the wrong decision for the Commanders.
