NFL
By: Ryan Cooley
The Washington Commanders currently hold the 11th overall pick in the first round. There has been much speculation swirling about Washington potentially trading back in the first. After the Wentz trade, the Commanders are short of a 3rd round pick this year and a possible 2nd rounder in 2023.
Here are the benefits for either staying at 11 or trading back.
Staying at 11
Every year there are one or two prospects who fall outside of the top 10 who weren’t supposed to. According to reports, Kyle Hamilton could be that prospect in 2022. Many view Hamilton as a top-five player in this draft. If he falls to 11, Washington’s defense would benefit greatly from his versatility.
Derek Stingley Jr. is another player that would strengthen Washington’s secondary. Fuller was great in 2021 (3rd highest grade among CBs) after playing outside as opposed to in the slot. However, Jackson’s struggles could lead to Rivera wanting a more dependable corner. Stingley has the potential to be a true shutdown corner.
Most believe Washington will draft a wide receiver with the 11th pick. Terry McLaurin has never had a true #2 WR to take the attention off of him. Drake London, Garrett Wilson, and Chris Olave are options at 11. There is a realistic chance none of those three receivers are on the board if they trade back into the 20s.
I have Drake London ranked as the best wide receiver in this draft and believe he would be a great fit in Washington. There are not many 6’4 receivers who can consistently come down with 50/50 balls and separate. London can do just that. Wilson and Olave might both be undersized but are outstanding route runners who know how to separate. All three have the potential to be top 10 receivers. [pickup_prop id=”23284″]
Trading Back
The Commanders only have three picks in the first five rounds of the 2022 draft and will likely not have a second-rounder in 2023 (if Wentz plays 70% of snaps on offense). It would be wise to try and acquire more picks through this draft and the best way to do that would be trading back from 11.
A trade with the Steelers could occur if Malik Willis falls out of the top 10. A realistic price to move up from 20 to 11 is two second-round picks. This would regain the picks given up to acquire Carson Wentz. Even at 20, there is a chance Olave is still on the board.
Green Bay and Kansas City both have two first-round picks in 2022 and could look to trade up if a player they like is still there at 11. The Packers lost Adams and the Chiefs lost Hill. There is a possibility one could panic and trade up for one of the top wide receivers. Washington would have to at least ask the Packers and Chiefs for both of their first-rounders. Having 22 & 28 or 29 & 30 would make up for not having a 3rd this year and 2nd next year.
Conclusion
The way best way to build a team is through the draft. While taking the best player available at 11 would be ideal, Washington does not have that luxury. Tampa Bay was able to select Joe Tryon (a project edge rusher) in the first round last year because they had no holes. In reality, the Commanders still do not have a reliable quarterback, tight end, #2 wide receiver, or linebacker.
After letting Ioannidis and Settle go, they have a lack of depth on the defensive line as well. Rivera needs to find a way to regain some draft capital and the best way to do that is to trade back in the first.
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