While most NFL teams’ NFL Draft predictions have been complicated, the Washington Commanders do not have a cornucopia of options. Their needs are well defined after the acquisition of Carson Wentz. They must surround him with more offensive weapons than they currently possess.
Washington Commanders 2022 NFL Draft predictions
While the Commanders must add more offensive firepower, that doesn’t necessarily mean they need to address wide receiver in the first round. Terry McLaurin is the top pass catcher in Washington no matter who steps on campus in 2022. That means the team could consider other options with the 11th overall selection. Still, receiver might be the best bet for the Commanders unless they trade out of the pick.
Prediction 1: Drafting an Ohio State wide receiver
They already have two former Buckeyes on the roster. Why wouldn’t the Commanders make it a trio? Garrett Wilson feels like the obvious choice if he’s available there. He’s not as precise as his running mate Chris Olave, but his ceiling is higher, and there are fewer concerns about his ability to get off press coverage.
Olave is a bit like McLaurin, which could entice the Commanders. He’s a wiry receiver with outstanding long speed and the ability to snap off routes quickly. Olave was a touchdown machine at Ohio State. He’s very good at separating in tight spaces, but don’t expect him to be a YAC player at the next level. He wasn’t that guy in college.
Prediction 2: Kyle Hamilton “falls” to 11
At this point in the process, it feels like Notre Dame defensive back Kyle Hamilton could “fall” to the Commanders’ pick. Hamilton is seen as a do-it-all safety, but he’d be the first safety since Keanu Neal to run a 4.59 or slower to go in Round 1. Derwin James, who was viewed similarly to Hamilton and tested like an elite athlete, fell to the Chargers at 17.
Between Kamren Curl, Bobby McCain, and Hamilton, the Commanders can mix and match depending on the situation. Some believe Hamilton is only a box safety. However, he’s more than able to play as a split-field safety and even occasionally as a single-high guy.
Prediction 3: Trade back and draft receiver/linebacker
This Commanders scenario requires a team to initiate a trade up to the 11th spot, which is probably unlikely. However, if a club wants to move up, it could allow Washington to take whatever linebacker they like most.
But depending on how the rest of the league views this wide receiver class, one of the two Ohio State receivers could still be around. That means the Commanders could potentially move back and still get “their” guy.
Washington Commanders 2022 NFL Draft needs
Some would argue the Commanders still need a quarterback, and that’s a valid opinion. However, Wentz will be their starter in 2022, and he’s not the type to handle competition well. Washington needs to create as perfect an environment as possible around him, so they should not draft a quarterback in 2022.
Safety, linebacker, and receiver are their other significant needs, as we’ve already addressed. The Commanders’ offensive line may be devoid of big names, but their performance speaks for itself.