Criticism Mounts Over Washington GM Adam Peters' Draft Misses

Analysis shows Peters has struggled to hit on top 100 picks in his first two seasons as GM

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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In a critical analysis of Washington's recent draft history, sports columnist Mark Tyler argues that GM Adam Peters has struggled to make the most of his top 100 draft picks over the past two seasons. Tyler highlights several high draft selections that have failed to pan out, including Jer'Zhan Newton, Mike Sainristil, and Ben Sinnott, while also noting that Peters has only truly hit on two of his eight top 100 picks so far - quarterback Jayden Daniels and defensive back Trey Amos. With limited draft capital in 2026, Tyler suggests Peters will need to excel in free agency to help Washington return to contention.

Why it matters

Top draft picks are crucial for building a successful NFL roster, and Peters' inability to consistently hit on these selections could hamper Washington's efforts to rebuild and compete in the coming years. The team's fans are growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of impact from high draft choices, putting pressure on Peters to improve his scouting and evaluation processes.

The details

In his first two seasons as Washington's GM, Peters has had eight top 100 draft picks. However, Tyler's analysis shows Peters has clearly missed on several of these selections, including second-rounders Jer'Zhan Newton and Mike Sainristil, as well as second-round pick Ben Sinnott. While Peters did land a potential franchise QB in Jayden Daniels with the 2nd overall pick, and found a promising defensive back in Trey Amos, the overall hit rate on top picks has been poor, according to the columnist.

  • In the last decade, over 70 percent of All-Pro first and second teamers were comprised of former top 100 draft picks.
  • When Adam Peters arrived in Washington in 2024, he stated he would build through the draft and supplement through free agency.
  • In his first two seasons as GM, Peters has had eight top 100 draft picks to work with.

The players

Adam Peters

The general manager of the Washington NFL team who has come under criticism for his performance in the NFL Draft over the past two seasons.

Jayden Daniels

The quarterback selected 2nd overall by Peters in the 2024 NFL Draft, who had a rough sophomore season but still has a high outlook.

Jer'Zhan Newton

A second-round pick by Peters in 2024 who had minimal impact as a rookie and showed little improvement in 2025, making him an apparent bust.

Mike Sainristil

A second-round selection by Peters in 2024 who took a big step backwards in his sophomore season, leading to questions about whether the issue is the player or the scheme.

Ben Sinnott

A second-round pick by Peters in 2024 who has been a major bust, starting just 5 games in his first two seasons and producing minimal production.

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What they’re saying

“I don't like to sugar-coat things. If something looks FANTASTIC, I like to point it out. If something looks BAD, I will bring that to the forefront.”

— Mark Tyler, Sports Columnist (yahoo.com)

What’s next

With only two top 100 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, Peters will need to excel in free agency this offseason to help Washington return to contention. The team's fans are growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of impact from Peters' high draft choices so far.

The takeaway

Adam Peters' struggles to consistently hit on top 100 draft picks in his first two seasons as Washington's GM have put the team in a difficult position, with limited draft capital to work with going forward. Peters will need to significantly improve his scouting and evaluation processes, as well as excel in free agency, if he hopes to build a roster capable of competing in the NFC.