Washington Commanders 2022 Small School Mock Draft

Washington Commanders mock drafts typically highlight the best overall available players from Power Five and Group of Five conference programs, but there are many prospects from smaller colleges that could have an impact in the NFL.

When the month of March arrives each year, fans of their favorite NFL team find themselves in something of a quandary with free agency and the draft.  What position should the team target the most?  Who are the hidden gems?  Should the team draft the best player available or for a specific need?  Should the team spend a lot of draft capital on a blockbuster trade?  Oh, and let’s talk about the size of his hands.  It’s a lot to consider, but mock drafts can provide some insights into the many prospects and determine the best fits via analysts and experts.

As fans begin to flock to the latest updates on free agency and gather information on college prospects, a popular tool for such information has always been mock drafts.  This avenue affords fans the opportunity to learn more about certain players that could be on the roster later in the year.  With that in mind, we have another mock draft for you today, but it is different than the typical mocks you see each winter and spring.

Today, we bring you a mock draft that focuses on small school prospects only.  These hidden gems can have quite an impact in the NFL and can’t be ignored.  NFL legends that came from small colleges include Jerry Rice, Willie Brown, “Night Train” Lane, Pierre Garcon, Walter Payton, Shannon Sharpe, Jim Hart, Darrell Green, Kurt Warner, London Fletcher, and many others.  Current Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp came from a small school.

Enough is enough from this garrulous old soul.  You stopped by to see another mock draft!  Let’s jump right in and see if we can find some future NFL legends in this Commanders mock draft.

Round One

Malik Willis, Quarterback, Liberty – 6-1, 215

A small school produces a big time quarterback this year and the Washington Commanders make the choice to add one of the best prospects in this class.  Willis has a strong arm and can produce major chunks of yardage with his legs.  He had an impressive showing at the Senior Bowl and did well in team interviews.  The Commanders had a meeting with him that week.

Round Two

Christian Watson, Wide Receiver, North Dakota State  – 6-4, 210

Christian Watson impressed scouts and coaches during the practice sessions at the Senior Bowl and drills at the Combine.  Once regarded as a day three pick with a lot of potential, Watson has now elevated his draft status to a likely day two pick.  He is a solid route runner and can use his height effectively in the red zone.  Very agile.  Watson can also contribute as a kick returner.

Round Three

Tariq Woolen, Cornerback, Texas-San Antonio – 6-4, 205

Tariq Woolen began his career as a reliable wide receiver, but switched to cornerback for the last two seasons and his impact has been nothing short of phenomenal.  The sure-handed receiver was now a ball-hawking corner and his impact for UTSA was immediate.  He is a solid zone defender, but will need to learn the nuances of man coverage.  His size is an added bonus.

Round Four

Troy Anderson, Middle/Outside Linebacker, Montana State – 6-4, 235

If you are looking for a Jack of all trades on the inside of the linebacker corps, Troy Andersen is the player you want to draft.  Not only did he compete early in his career at quarterback for the Bobcats, Andersen has also spent time as a fullback.  Superb coverage skills.  Running backs prefer to avoid his territory on the field.  Andersen’s versatility could allow him to be in the game for certain offensive plays.  He shined at the Senior Bowl and had a huge coming out party at the Combine.

Round Six

Braxton Jones, Offensive Tackle, Southern Utah – 6-7, 310

Braxton Jones has been a solid left tackle for the Thunderbirds, but he hasn’t hit his full potential thus far.  He will need to improve on his agility and add about fifteen pounds of muscle to his frame.  Jones could be a solid swing tackle within a year or two, but could also slide to the inside at the next level.

Round Seven

Joshua Williams, Cornerback, Fayetteville State – 6-3, 195

Surprisingly, players from HBCU schools are rarely drafted each year.  However, expect that to change this year and Joshua Williams one player who is more than just a late round novelty.  He has legitimate talent and could be a starter by his second season in the league.  The former Broncos standout has the skills to become a special teams ace.

Drafting players from FCS, Division III, and NAIA schools happens every spring and there are plenty of precious jewels to find in the magnificent mountain of prospects each year.  2022 is no exception.  In the aforementioned group, be sure to keep an eye on Malik Willis, Christian Watson, Tariq Woolen, Troy Anderson, and Joshua Williams.  These players have a legitimate chance of being on Washington’s roster this fall.

We’ll continue to produce mocks for the next few weeks here at Riggo’s Rag.  Our analysts are happy to provide you with important information on each of these prospects.  Feel free to post a mock in the comments section below.  We would love to see your general manager skills at work!