Ron Rivera tried valiantly to turn the Washington Commanders around in difficult circumstances. Working for Dan Snyder came with a unique set of challenges. Despite the previous head coach’s best efforts, he couldn’t get the job done.

Rivera’s fate was sealed after Josh Harris’ ownership group wrestled the Commanders from Snyder’s grasp. There was no self-motivation within the roster as another campaign spiraled into failure in 2023. A fresh start was the best possible solution in pursuit of improved fortunes.

One of the biggest flaws surrounding Rivera’s failed stint in Washington centered on roster construction. In particular, his inability to properly assess college talent and draft the right players.

This became an ongoing source of frustration for fans. There were a few success stories, but it was largely underwhelming. One move above all else could have changed Rivera’s trajectory for the better.

Rivera had the chance to draft a franchise quarterback at No. 2 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. The Commanders had their pick of prospects once Trevor Lawrence went to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Instead of going with Tua Tagovailoa or Justin Herbert, the choice was edge rusher Chase Young.

The former Ohio State star was tabbed as a generational pass-rushing prospect. He wasn’t a bad pick at the time, but it didn’t take long for things to unravel. After three and a half underwhelming seasons riddled with injury problems, Young was traded to the San Francisco 49ers for nothing more than a compensatory third-round pick in 2024.

Chase Young named Commanders worst draft pick of the last five years

When identifying each team’s worst draft pick of the last five years, it came as no surprise to see Nick Faria from Pro Football Network choose Young as Washington’s. A selection that promised much delivered very little. It also set the franchise back years in hindsight.

“Chase Young was pegged as the best defensive player in the 2021 class, and many thought there was an argument he should have gone first overall. Instead, Washington watched him record 7.5 sacks once, tear his ACL, and struggle since his injury. The injury concerns clearly played a part, but Young was never as dominant as he was in college.”

– Nick Faria, Pro Football Network

Had Rivera gone with a rookie quarterback to spearhead his new era, things could have worked out differently. Herbert and Tagovailoa both got lucrative second deals and boast proven credentials. They are far superior to anything Washington’s churned out under center since that fateful draft night. That might be about to change.

Adam Peters wasn’t going to make the same mistake. The new general manager also had the No. 2 pick at his disposal. Instead of avoiding the temptation, he embraced it by taking Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels.

The LSU product made an impressive start to life with the organization. Daniels looks like someone capable of getting the Commanders back into contention. There’s a long way to go and some huge hurdles to overcome. However, one cannot be anything other than thrilled by his outstanding transition.

As for Young? He lasted a few months in San Francisco, appearing in the Super Bowl without getting over the hump. The defensive end wasn’t brought back and he signed a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints in free agency heading into a make-or-break campaign.

This was Rivera’s biggest mistake. Unfortunately for the respected figure, he couldn’t turn back the clock and had to suffer the consequences.