Ron Rivera and Martin Mayhew couldn’t wait to get a quarterback added to their roster. The trade for Carson Wentz was certainly interesting, but it shouldn’t change the priorities for the Washington Commanders in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. The question becomes if they’ll still take a quarterback in the NFL Draft this year — or bank on Wentz’s future potential.
Washington Commanders 2022 7-Round Mock Draft
The Washington Commanders were stuck in a cycle of quarterbacks for the last four years, so you can understand the need to fill that position. They had at least three quarterbacks start one or more games in each of the last four seasons — that’s not going to create much stability.
The free Pro Football Network Mock Draft Simulator with trades was used to complete this draft for the Washington Commanders. They kept their first-round pick while still getting a pick in Round 2. They also have three more picks (Round 4, 6, and 7).
Round 1, Pick 11: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
Even with Wentz on the roster, Washington needs a quarterback for the future. It might be too early for them to take one at 11, but Kenny Pickett was selected in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. It’s an ideal situation for a quarterback that needs some time to learn from a veteran in front of him. Pickett and many of the other quarterbacks in this class need time to transition to the NFL, and Pickett gets a chance to do that.
Pickett received a bunch of scrutiny at the Combine for having small hands, but there’s not much else you can really complain about with him. If you go back and watch the film, you’ll see why the Washington Commanders took him. Pickett can sling it. There’s no debating that. And even if you’re concerned about his hands, Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow’s hands are half an inch bigger. Pickett will be just fine.
Round 2, Pick 47: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
Now that Washington has their quarterback, they look to add more explosive talent around him. With Antonio Gibson, Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, and Logan Thomas already on the roster, adding Jahan Dotson provides even more excitement. For Commanders fans that aren’t familiar with his game, get ready for some highlight-reel catches.
Dotson arguably has the best hands in this draft class. He hasn’t played with the most accurate quarterbacks, so making acrobatic catches was a frequent occurrence. His hands appear extra sticky because he snatches everything out of the air with ease. If you need someone to come down with a pass, Dotson is your guy.
Round 4, Pick 112: Markquese Bell, S, Florida A&M
Markquese Bell is a great example of how to handle adversity. After being suspended at Maryland, he hit the transfer portal and ended up at Florida A&M. From there, he worked his way to being a pro prospect, and he finds himself going to the Washington Commanders in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft.
When you watch his film, it’s easy to see why he was a four-star recruit. He’s a well-rounded safety who can be an enforcer in the run game and play single-high safety. That versatility is a great value in the fourth round. He’s an aggressive player that can get in trouble if his eye lingers in the backfield, but that aggressive nature allows him to make plays most players can’t.
Round 6, Pick 188: D’Marco Jackson, LB, App State
Ron Rivera will love D’Marco Jackson’s game. He’s a physical tackler who never hesitates to react to his read. It’s tough to make him miss, and he typically doesn’t get run over when trying to make a tackle. He had the best season of his career in 2021 with the Mountaineers, and it helped vault him into a Day 3 projection.
Round 7, Pick 237: Zonovan Knight, RB, NC State
Zonovan “Bam” Knight won’t be the versatile weapon that Gibson is for the Washington Commanders, but getting him on the roster in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft is a great pick in Round 7. Knight thrived in NC State’s zone running scheme because he has a natural feel for navigating running lanes and anticipating creases.