After a roller coaster season where they fell short of making the postseason, it goes without saying that the Washington Commanders are due for some big changes. One of those was clearly at quarterback, as they traded for Carson Wentz. Currently holding the 11th overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft, the Commanders will have their fair share of choices to make.
In their continued efforts to build a winning culture, making a sound pick in the first round of this year's draft will be crucial for them. As they work tirelessly to change the narrative and get back on the winning track, we'll now take a look at the three best players the Commanders can select with the 11th pick in the draft.
Garrett Wilson
Widely considered the best wideout in this year's draft class, Garrett Wilson is the ideal deep threat to have playing alongside Wentz. His speed and acceleration are what will get him a ton of touches and some easy scores next season. His athleticism is what enables him to extend plays. He is not a big receiver, but can take a wide receiver screen, make guys miss and take it to the house.
Wilson is also great at creating separation and adjusting his speed when running routes. These are attributes that will help the Washington Commanders improve their passing game immensely. With the 11th overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft, the Commanders should definitely pick Wilson to add quality depth at receiver.
Jahan Dotson
If Washington misses out on Wilson in the draft, then selecting Jahan Dotson would be the next best move for them to make. He's a well-rounded three level wideout with elite agility and the ability to catch on the go. Add to that his dual-threat ability as a reliable punt returner with playmaking potential, and the Washington Commanders would have an absolute stud to work with.
Not to mention he can seamlessly change speeds on a single route to come away with some clutch scores. It goes without saying that this would be another addition that would bolster Washington's receiving corps. In Dotson, the Commanders have another good player who they could develop and groom into one of the premier wide receivers in the NFL.
Evan Neal
If Washington decides to go another route in the first round, then selecting high-end offensive tackle Evan Neal would be in their best interest. Of course, this is assuming he shockingly slides down quite a few spots. There are a few teams ahead of Washington that would likely take Neal. But if he is still on the board, the Commanders must take him.
Adding some much-needed protection for the injury-prone Wentz is also of utter importance for the Commanders in the draft. Neal is able to play both left and right tackle and has played against the best teams in college football.
These are skills and experiences that will land him a starting job in the NFL. Coming from a winning program in Alabama, Neal would have an immediate impact on Washington's offensive front. With the Commanders trying to build a championship organization from top to bottom, picking Neal in the draft could be a step in the right direction.
With so many holes to fill in their roster, the Washington Commanders will have plenty of choices to make with the 11th pick in the 2022 NFL draft. However, addressing a key area of need at wide receiver or offensive tackle would be vital to their success ahead of next season. Hoping to start fresh prior to the 2022-2023 NFL year, these are three picks the Commanders should take into consideration.