Washington Commanders Post-Free Agency Mock Draft

Round Two

Darian Kinnard, Offensive Tackle/Guard, Kentucky – 6-5, 345

The best football conference in the NCAA is the Southeastern Conference and you can’t go wrong with adding blue chip players from these programs.  After adding Jameson Williams from Alabama in the first round, the Commanders choose to select a Kentucky Wildcat – Darian Kinnard and all of his massive frame. There are several directions that the Commanders can take in round two, especially with two selections following the first round trade, but Kinnard offers great value here.  He is a sizable lineman and should fill in nicely for new Jaguar Brandon Scherff and surprise release, Ereck Flowers.

Kinnard’s bone-crushing pancake blocks sent chills to defensive linemen throughout the SEC over the last four years.  He is nimble and agile enough to play on the outside, but his better position at the next level is on the inside.  Kinnard is a solid pass protector and routinely forklifts linemen and linebackers with ease in the rushing offense.

While Wes Schweitzer can be a capable replacement for Scherff, it is wise to have a backup plan in place.  Scherff sustained an injury that kept him sidelined for several weeks and Schweitzer caught the injury bug as well.  Kinnard can start from day one and provide a presence that will be needed starting this season.

Yes, the Washington Commanders were able to sign former Jaguars guard, Andrew Norwell.  He is a former Carolina Panther and Coach Rivera is obviously very familiar with him.  However, having a plethora of big uglies on both sides of the ball is always a winning strategy.

Other Possible Selections

• Chad Muma, Linebacker, Wyoming
• John Metchie, Wide Receiver, Alabama
• Jalen Pitre, Free Safety/Strong Safety, Baylor
• Dylan Parham, Offensive Guard, Memphis
• Christian Watson, Wide Receiver, North Dakota St.

Adding more talent in the secondary

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

If this name sounds familiar to you, then pat yourself on the back.  We featured Woolen in the small college mock draft and he is an intriguing player from a program that is not a member of a power five or group of five conferences.  He is a legitimate cornerback prospect with a skill set that makes him a logical day two selection.  Woolen was recruited by a few power five programs, but he chose to take a chance on himself and signed with the Roadrunners.

Armed with an extra selection in round two, the Washington Commanders decide to fortify their secondary with an athletic playmaker.  The former three-star standout started out as a talented receiver, but he wanted a new challenge and the staff at UTSA granted his request to move to the other side of the ball.  The change of scenery has paid major dividends and he is likely to have a long and productive career in the NFL.

It may seem like free safety is a greater need at this juncture, but Woolen is a cornerback that provides good value with this selection.  Also, with Bobby McCain back in the fold, Washington’s need at free safety isn’t the same as it was two weeks ago.  There are times when taking the best player available is justified and drafting Woolen here is certainly the correct choice.