The Washington Commanders built up their defensive line depth in the second round of the <a href="https://www.on3.com/nfl/draft/2022/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2022 NFL Draft</a> on Thursday, drafting former <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/alabama-crimson-tide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alabama</a> defensive lineman <a href="https://www.on3.com/db/phidarian-mathis-96373/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phidarian Mathis</a>. In an interview after the pick, <a href="https://www.on3.com/db/chase-young-20890/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chase Young</a> signed off on the decision.



Young, a Commanders defensive end, sounded more than excited about the Commanders’ move to draft Mathis with the No. 47 overall pick in Las Vegas on Friday. The former Crimson Tide standout adds to the defensive line — and Young is a big part of that unit.



That’s why the former <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/ohio-state-buckeyes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ohio State</a> star is ready to roll with his new teammate.



“Mathis, I’ve seen him in the [College Football Playoff],” Young told ABC’s Laura Rutledge. “He always runs real well. … Big guy. He’ll come to attack you, so I’m definitely excited. Obviously, Washington, we have a history of drafting interior Alabama guys. I’m excited for another big boy to come with us.”



<h2 id="h-washington-commanders-select-phidarian-mathis-in-2022-nfl-draft">Washington Commanders select Phidarian Mathis in 2022 NFL Draft</h2>



After an impressive four-year run with the <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/alabama-crimson-tide/">Alabama Crimson Tide</a>, defensive lineman <a href="https://www.on3.com/db/phidarian-mathis-96373/recruiting/77344/news/">Phidarian Mathis</a> was selected in the <a href="https://www.on3.com/category/nfl-draft/news/">2022 NFL Draft</a> with the No. 47 overall pick by the Washington Commanders.



Mathis saw his first collegiate action in 2018, totaling 18 tackles and recovering one fumble. He then racked up 27 tackles with 0.5 tackles for loss and one forced fumble as a sophomore in 2019, and then had 31 tackles, five tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, three passes defended, and one forced fumble in 2020.



This past season was undoubtedly the best yet for Mathis. In 14 games, he anchored Alabama’s defensive line with 53 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, two passes defended, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries.



Now, Mathis will look to carry that success into the NFL as he has heard his name called in the draft.

On3 NFL Draft

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Chase Young reacts to Commanders' selection of Phidarian Mathis

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