Washington coach Ron Rivera doesn't overthink things. Maybe it's the old linebacker in him, but the Football Team coach likes to fill needs so overthinking his potential picks has quickly proven to be wasted time.
Washington didn't trade up for a quarterback and seemingly was waiting for an offensive tackle to fall to its No. 19 pick on Thursday. But, Rivera naturally went for a linebacker that few others expected – Jamin Davis. The Kentucky outside tackling machine may be the final piece in an already top-rated defense. Someone who can finally stop big tight ends from dominating short-yardage conversions in recent years.
In hindsight, it was an obvious choice. Maybe Notre Dame's Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah would seem flashier, but Rivera liked Davis' grit more. When the draft board removed quarterback temptations by New England taking Mac Jones at No. 15, Rivera knew Davis would still be there at No. 19, given many mock drafts saw the linebacker taken later.
It was mildly surprising Rivera didn't opt for Virginia Tech left tackle Christian Darrisaw, but this is a defensive-minded coach who doesn't concentrate as much on offensive linemen. So, Washington is probably not going for one in the second round on Friday. Still, Northern Iowa's Spencer Brown and East Carolina's D'Ante Smith should be considered when Washington chooses 51st on Friday.
Could Washington opt for a quarterback in Round 2? Florida's Kyle Trask and Stanford's Davis Mills may be gone when Washington picks, especially Trask. That means Washington is really free to just take the best player on the board and hope it's a receiver. Look for Southern Cal's Amon-Ra St. Brown and Mississippi's Elijah Moore as possible targets.
The third round has an obvious plum – Boston College tight end Hunter Long, a tall target whose production is sometimes uninspired. Rivera has a cure for that called his right foot. While Logan Thomas delivered a surprising great season in 2020, Washington needs a second target who can also block after letting Jeremy Sprinkle leave in free agency.
Overall, Washington filled a hole in the first round and that's a good day. Now, can it have two more good ones to follow?
Rick Snider has covered Washington sports since 1978. Follow him on Twitter: @Snide_Remarks.
