Washington Commanders: Grading the Percy Butler selection

The Washington Commanders used their two fourth-round picks to take safety Percy Butler and. Let’s grade the selections.

The Washington Commanders had two selections in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. However, they traded away their second of those two picks. First, though, Washington had the 113th overall pick. In that spot, the Commanders took safety Percy Butler out of Louisiana. Let’s grade the selection.

Immediately, you notice something pretty obvious. This is the first time that they absolutely drafted for need since the first round.

Jahan Dotson at wide receiver addressed an immediate need. Phidarian Mathis (defensive tackle) and Brian Robinson Jr. (running back) both have positives, but Washington wasn’t clamoring for either of those positions.

Butler addresses a lot. He can come in and compete for a safety spot. Sure, Butler is seen as more of a project, but let’s not pretend like the team is rolling in gold in the secondary.

That’s a position that hasn’t really been a strength for Washington. He’s got decent size (6’0″, 194 lbs) and incredible speed. Having some speed back there is massive because a lot of their starters in the past few years (Kamren Curl, Bobby McCain, Landon Collins) aren’t exactly burners.

Butler also has a chance to help right away. Even if he doesn’t get a turn in the starting rotation, he’s seen as an elite special teams player. That’s great to see from any rookie, let alone a Day Three guy. You now have someone that will make an impact on day one.

Butler is definitely going to be a fun player to watch. Physically a freak, and has the talent to make a real big bang right away.

This is the type of pick most Washington fans have probably been waiting for in this draft. Not only is he a good player at his position, but he fills a position of need for the Commanders. That immediately makes this one of their better picks in this draft.

Final Grade: B