The NFL season hasn’t kicked off yet, pads haven’t popped in a meaningful game, and no stats have been logged. But every year, before the first snap is taken, there’s a player who looks different — someone whose traits, situation, and opportunity hint at something bigger. For the Washington Commanders, that player may be second-round pick Rasheem Biles.
While first-round selections often dominate the conversation, front offices know championships are built on value. And quietly, Biles is shaping up to be the kind of pick that defines a draft class long before the results show up in the standings.
Why Washington Believed in Him
Washington didn’t select Rasheem Biles in the second round by accident. The traits are obvious:
- Explosive first step
- NFL-ready strength and size
- Relentless motor that shows up snap after snap
Biles projects as the type of defender who can impact games even when he isn’t filling up the stat sheet. Pressure, disruption, and forcing offenses to adjust are skills that don’t always get drafted early — but they win games.
Opportunity Meets Talent
One of the biggest reasons optimism around Biles is growing is opportunity. Washington’s defensive front is built to rotate, attack, and stay fresh — a perfect environment for a player with Biles’ skill set.
He isn’t being asked to carry the defense. Instead, he’s being placed in a system that allows him to:
- Attack gaps aggressively
- Play fast without overthinking
- Learn alongside established veterans
That combination often accelerates development — and that’s where second-round picks can quietly surpass expectations.
The Traits That Translate Early
Speculation is rooted in projection, and Biles checks the right boxes. His game is built on attributes that typically translate well from Day One:
- Physicality at the point of attack
- Ability to collapse pockets and disrupt timing
- High effort, even on plays away from him
Those traits don’t rely on perfect reads or ideal situations. They rely on effort and explosiveness — two things that tend to show up immediately.
Why He Could Be the Steal of the Draft
Being the “best pick” doesn’t require being the most famous name. It requires value.
If Rasheem Biles becomes a reliable rotational defender, the pick is a success.
If he becomes a consistent starter, the pick is a win.
If he exceeds expectations? The Commanders may look back and realize their best draft decision happened in Round Two.
That’s the space Biles occupies right now — a player with the tools, the opportunity, and the mindset to outperform his draft slot.
All Eyes on Training Camp and Week One
None of this is guaranteed. It’s projection. It’s belief. It’s educated optimism.
But as the season approaches, Rasheem Biles represents exactly what teams hope for when the commissioner announces a second-round pick — a player who might just end up being the smartest decision of the entire draft.
And if this speculation turns into reality, Washington won’t just have found a contributor.
They’ll have found their steal.
