Commanders Mock Draft: The Kenny Pickett Show 2.0

Last year, Washington shocked folks after drafting cornerback Benjamin St-Juste in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Not only do the Commanders shock the fanbase again in the third round with a surprise selection at a position of strength, but they also go back to Minnesota for the selection.

It’s no secret that Ron Rivera loves athletes with a strong RAS score, position-flex, and strong work ethic and respect from whomever he drafts. At EDGE, Washington needs quality rotation depth, and with Montez Sweat possibly not being a prime re-sign candidate at this stage, the Commanders go ahead and draft Minnesota EDGE Boye Mafe.

Mafe’s play consistently improved throughout his career and it has looked to continue on that trajectory after a strong week in Mobile. Mafe is one of the best pure athletes in this class, with long limbs and an explosive first step right off the line.

On the field, Mafe posted a pass-rush win rate of 19.1%, which places him above the 80th percentile in terms of win rate at the collegiate level, while also posting a grade from Pro Football Focus of 90.3 when in true pass-set pass-rushing scenarios.

He’s exactly the kind of player that offers elite tools at this stage of his career, that with a little bit of fine-tuning and rotational snaps to begin his career, can become a standout player in the Nation’s Capitol.