Commanders draft Alabama defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis with 47th overall pick

ASHBURN — At a minimum, the Washington Commanders added to their defensive line depth. In the process, they possibly lined up a replacement for a key starter.

The Commanders drafted Alabama defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis with the 47th overall pick Friday — taking a player who could eventually replace starter Daron Payne, whose contract is set to expire after next season. Mathis, at 6-foot-4 and 310 pounds, provides size up the middle and was a team captain for the Crimson Tide this past fall. 

Mathis’ selection was yet another surprise for the Commanders, who unexpectedly took Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson 16th overall Thursday after trading down. Mathis was the team’s first pick on Day 2 of the draft as Washington passed on notables like Georgia linebacker Nakobe Dean and Penn State safety Jaquan Brisker. 

But the Commanders have found success when drafting defensive linemen from Alabama in recent years. In 2017 and 2018, Washington used consecutive first-round picks on defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Payne. Both emerged as marquee players on the line, and last year, Washington gave Allen a four-year, $72 million contract.

Mathis’ pick could ultimately — and likely — will impact Payne’s future with Washington. The Athletic reported earlier this week that Washington was not expected to offer Payne a new contract before his deal expires. 

In the meantime, however, Washington still needed help up front and Mathis will add to the team’s depth. This offseason, the team surprisingly cut defensive tackle Matt Ioannidis and watched Tim Settle sign with the Buffalo Bills. Both had played important roles in Washington’s defensive line rotation. 

This past fall, Mathis recorded 53 tackles and nine sacks — both career highs. According to a scouting report from The Athletic, Mathis has “inconsistent pass rush skills, but he is a physically impressive big man with power and disruptive qualities.”  The same report suggests Mathis can slot into a rotation right away and has the potential to grow into a starter. 

Washington held the 47th pick because of a previous trade pick swap with the Indianapolis Colts. The Commanders gave Indianapolis the 42nd pick in March when they acquired quarterback Carson Wentz.