Washington Commanders Post-Free Agency Mock Draft

Round Three

Troy Andersen, Linebacker/Athlete, Montana State – 6-4, 245

There is a reason why the Washington Commanders have met more than once with Troy Andersen.  The team broke bread with him at the Senior Bowl and then had a formal meeting with the standout linebacker at the NFL Combine.  The interest is genuine and very real.  For the first time in doing mock drafts since 2010, yours truly has decided to add the “athlete” label for a prospect.

“Athlete” may sound vague, but Troy Andersen is arguably the best overall middle linebacker in this class and that is not an exaggeration.  Also, he is arguably the best overall athlete in this draft.  Playing for program that is located in the vast Big Sky expanse of Montana (State) does hurt his standing in the draft this year, but his talent is undeniable.  Andersen could have the greatest impact of any rookie in 2022 and it is possible that he lasts until the third round, but don’t be surprised if scouts, analysts, and coaches think of him as a legitimate second round talent.

In his first season at Montana State (2017), Troy Andersen was a running back and linebacker.  As a freshman, he was an Academic All-Conference player and completely impressed as a two-way stud.  Andersen was the conference’s “Freshman of the Year” – primarily for his rushing skills.  In his first game as a Bobcat (not a Bearcat), he tallied more than one hundred yards on the ground.

At the NFL Combine, Andersen sprinted to an impressive 4.42 in the 40 and that was just the beginning.  His vertical was a mind-boggling 36 inches and he posted a 10’8” leap in the broad jump.  He began the second year of his college life playing quarterback for the Bobcats and he was not only a first team all-conference selection, Andersen was a third team All-American.  He was as good as any FCS quarterback that season (2018).

In 2019, Andersen switched to full-time linebacker and fullback – not because the team decided to make the changes, but he wanted new challenges for that season and his coaches obliged.  In ten games that year, Mr. Everything registered 11.5 tackles for a loss, five pass breakups, 6.5 sacks, two hurries, and an interception.  He also rushed for seven touchdowns, ran for 336 yards, and tossed a touchdown pass.  For his efforts that season, Andersen was named first team all-conference and he was named a first team All-American.

Are you impressed yet?  In 2020, Montana State and many other programs did not play due to the pandemic, but the Bobcats returned to the field in 2021 and Andersen was about to put his best foot forward.  Let’s just talk about the honors that he received last season.  FCS National Defensive Player of the Year.  Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year.  Unanimous first team FCS All-American.  First team Big Sky Conference.  NCAA All-Scholar team (13 recipients in all and only player from the FCS).  Senior Bowl invitee.  NFL Combine invitee.

Other Possible Selections

• Damone Clark, Linebacker, LSU
• George Pickens, Wide Receiver, Georgia
• Brian Asamoah, Linebacker, Oklahoma
• Ed Ingram, Offensive Guard, LSU
• Isaiah Likely, Tight End, Coastal Carolina

Again, there are no guarantees that Andersen will be available in the third round.  If he is still on the board, Washington should be sprinting to the podium and make the selection.