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The Washington Commanders are hoping to make a strong impression in their first season under their new moniker. Their first task as the Commanders will be navigating the NFL Draft, through which the team will look to address a handful of issues on the roster. After acquiring Carson Wentz in the offseason, Washington will look to build up the rest of the team and compete in the NFC East. With room to improve on both sides of the ball, Washington has the chance to make some impactful moves on draft day. With that in mind, we have some Commanders' predictions for the upcoming NFL Draft.
The Commanders have some star talent on both sides of the ball, but they could still stand to add more quality players, both offensively and defensively. In terms of needs, there are notable holes at wide receiver (opposite Terry McLaurin), linebacker, cornerback, and along the offensive line. Pick No. 11 will be a prime position for Washington in the draft, and they'll have plenty of directions to choose from with selection.
For insight and predictions on the 2022 NFL Draft, listen below:
The Commanders don't have a third-round pick, but they'll be drafting in every other round, and have an additional seventh-round pick. In total, they have six picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, and only two of those are within the top 100 selections. The possibility of trading back remains, but there could be some playmakers available at No. 11 that would be great fits for Washington.
With all that in mind, here are some bold Commanders' predictions for the 2022 NFL Draft.
3. Washington drafts a Wide Receiver with 11th overall pick
Considering the Commanders are locked in Carson Wentz as their quarterback, it would make sense to surround him with the best weapons possible. There are a handful of highly coveted wide receivers in this class, and the Commanders are sitting pretty with their draft position to walk away from the first round with one of the best of the bunch. There's always a chance the Jets take a wide receiver at No. 10, but even so, the Commanders will have their pick of the class' top receiving threats and can hone in one they believe would fit well opposite McLaurin.
Getting another receiving weapon would not only open McLaurin and Wentz's game, but it would also help the running game, headlined by Antonio Gibson. Some possible options at No. 11 include Chris Olave, Drake London, and Jameson Williams, at least one of whom should be available for the taking.
2. Commanders get a defensive playmaker in the 2nd round
If Washington ends up with a top-tier wide receiver via the first round, it would only make sense for them to look at the opposite of the ball in Round 2. Some hyper-talented defensive backs could be available around Washington's Pick. No 47, and the team will almost surely be looking to go after a cornerback here. Unless an outside linebacker a talented offensive lineman slips in the draft, going after a cornerback to buff up the secondary would be the perfect move for Washington's second pick of the draft.
William Jackson III and Kendall Fuller are slated to start the year as the Commanders' cornerbacks, and getting a young playmaker in the mix alongside them could prove prudent. Alternatively, following the departure of Landon Collins, the team could look to address the safety position.
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1. Washington trades into the 3rd round
Even if Washington lands a star wide receiver and a playmaking defensive back in the first two rounds, the team will likely still be in the market for another top prospect. Unfortunately, without a third-round pick, the Commanders will see some quality players go off the board between their selection at No. 47 overall and No. 113. That is, unless, the Commanders can facilitate a trade to get themselves back into the third round, without shelling out too much draft capital this year.
By getting back into the third round, the Commanders could go after a starting-caliber linebacker or further buff up the secondary, moves that would help the team get back on the path towards success. If the Commanders are willing to sacrifice some future draft capital, they could potentially jump back into the third round and make a sizable splash.
