ASHBURN — The Washington Commanders selected a safety and made a trade Saturday in the fourth round of the NFL draft.
Washington drafted Louisiana safety Percy Butler with the 108th pick and then traded No. 120 to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for two fifth-rounders (picks 144 and 149). With Butler, the Commanders took one of the most well-regarded special teams prospects in this year’s class. But, continuing a recent trend, Washington drafted Butler earlier than he was projected to go.
An NFL Network scouting report noted Butler’s outstanding work as a gunner adds to his draft-day value and the likelihood of sticking around the league. Butler, who is six feet tall and 190 pounds, ran a blazing 4.36 40-yard dash at the league’s scouting combine.
At safety, Butler grabbed two interceptions, forced two fumbles and recorded 61 tackles.
The NFL Network projected Butler to be picked in the fifth round, while The Athletic gave him a sixth-round value.
Elsewhere, Washington moved back to gain picks in the fifth round. As part of the deal, the team also gave Carolina its sixth-round selection (No. 189).
The trade was Washington’s second in this year’s draft. The Commanders previously sent No. 11 to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for No. 16, 98 and 120. Washington has made four selections so far and has four more picks to go.
Always rooting to be proven wrong, but feels like the Commanders valuation doesn’t match the consensus on quite a few players this year. A lot of reaches based on where guys were ranked.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) April 30, 2022
But they obviously like them!
“Butler’s outstanding work as a gunner adds to his draft day value and likelihood of sticking around the league.” https://t.co/uuumT4Un9P
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) April 30, 2022
Washington adds safety help, but also on special teams with Deshazor Everett no longer here. https://t.co/GwkjyiAzIu
The @Commanders got the best pure free safety in the nfl draft in Percy Butler. Dude has tremendous range in center field. He is very good in all areas of coverage. Let alone he has 3 rockets up his butt and can fly. He is not all coverage he is a very good tackler too.
— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) April 30, 2022
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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