Mock Draft: The Commanders select Kenny Pickett as QB of the future

R4, P112 Verone McKinley III, S Oregon- The Commanders select their first defensive player. The Commanders defense, ran by Jack Del Rio, runs mostly Cover-4. Essentially, that means they operate mostly from two-high safety looks, so they need multiple good safeties.

Kam Curl is a rising star but Washington could use another piece next to him. McKinley is most intriguing due to his versatility. He has experience as a corner, so he can play as a single-high in two-shell looks or as a nickel. He has shown a nose for the ball in a Duck uniform, totaling four interceptions and five pass deflections in his junior season. However, that comes with its drawbacks as he can sometimes get caught gambling. Nevertheless, Washington should gamble on the versatile ballhawk from Oregon.

R6, P188 Kennedy Brooks, RB Oklahoma- A team can never have too many running backs. According to Ben Standig, Washington is interested in adding more to their running back room this offseason. In this rendition, they add Kennedy Brooks.

Brooks has above average burst and short-area quickness that he combines with his quality vision to rush for over 1,253 yards and 13 touchdowns in his junior season with the Sooners. He slips in the draft, as his lack of elite long speed will prevent him from being a play threat. His change of direction also leaves a little bit to be desired. But he would be quality depth to place behind Antonio Gibson and (likely) JD McKissic in 2022.

R7, P228 Kana’i Mauga LB USC- No, I did not forget about Washington’s need at linebacker. In my vision of this “mock” offseason, I project Washington to sign a veteran linebacker. That does not prevent them from taking a flyer on Mauga to close out their draft, however.

Mauga has prototypical size for the linebacker position, as he is listed at 6-foot-2 and 245 pounds. However, that does not prevent him in the athletic department. Mauga is very twitched up, as he showed good lateral movement skills. He was able to cover tight ends and running backs in short areas. He also provides position flexibility (another trend), as he has experience at MIKE, SAM and as an edge rusher. For Mauga to be anything more than a special teamer, however, he will need to show more down-to-down consistency in the NFL.