3 safest selections for Commanders in 2022 NFL Draft

1. Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State

It might be ironic that we picked a safety as the safest selection for Washington in this year’s draft, but it comes with good reason. After all, in a different year, Jaquan Brisker would be the top-ranked player at the position if he didn’t have to contend with Notre Dame’s Kyle Hamilton, a potential top-five pick.

From the Commanders’ perspective, they don’t have a starter opposite Kam Curl in the backend of the secondary. What Landon Collins switching to the Buffalo nickel and Bobby McCain a pending free agent, though the team would like to re-sign him, safety is one of the team’s biggest needs this offseason.

We hate to throw around the term like it’s not unique, but Brisker would bring needed versatility to Washington’s defense. A three-year starter at Penn State, the former JUCO transfer was deployed as a traditional free safety, but he also saw action in sub packages and as a slot corner with the Nittany Lions.

Brisker is a first-round prospect, but the fact he plays safety, a position that has lost a ton of draft value over the years, could see him slide to Round 2. It’s a long shot, but in the slim chance Brisker is available at No. 42 overall, Washington might have to adopt the best player available strategy for its second pick.