Washington Commanders Post-Free Agency Mock Draft

The trade executed by the Washington Commanders earlier has netted an extra sixth round selection.  The trade for Carson Wentz produced a seventh rounder and the same trade in the fourth round of our mock added another seventh round pick.

Round Six

Pierre Strong, Running Back, South Dakota State – 5-11, 205

When J.D. McKissic decided to ignite the reverse thrusters and return to Washington, it changed the temporary offseason dynamics at running back.  The Commanders went from needing a third down and receiving back to having a running back room that was fully stocked.  However, the team does lack a brawny, bruising relief running back.  While Jaret Patterson had a good rookie season, he does not have the kind of size or impact to fill such a role.

Jonathan Williams was able to impress the coaches at the end of last season and he is a nice complementary/change of pace running back.  That makes selecting Pierre Strong at this juncture an interesting choice.  He is a powerful force between the tackles, offers blocking protection for the quarterback, and can be a threat on screens and short passing downs.

Other Possible Selections

• Sincere McCormick, Running Back, Texas-San Antonio
• Matt Araiza, Punter, San Diego State
• Reed Blankenship, Buffalo Nickel/Free Safety, Middle Tennessee
• Charleston Rambo, Wide Receiver, Miami
• Ellis Brooks, Linebacker, Penn State

Extra picks add more depth and talent

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

When Benjamin St-Juste went down with an injury last season and missed significant playing time, it hurt the cornerback corps.  Quality depth in the secondary has been lacking in recent years, but that could change with the addition of Joshua Williams.  Similar in size to St Juste, Williams is a potential hidden gem and could work his way into a starting job by his second season.

Also, there are many small school prospects that could hear their names being called on all three days of the draft.  Is this a new trend for the coming years?

Round Seven

The Washington Commanders have enjoyed a fair amount of successful seventh round drafting in recent years and the front office is hoping to continue the trend.

Eyioma Uwazurike, Defensive Tackle, Iowa State

Trying to mitigate the loss of two solid defensive tackles (Tim Settle and Matt Ioannidis) is never easy, but Washington decides to add a second big body in the middle of the defensive line.  Eyioma Uwazurike has struggled in recent years with a father who committed serious crimes and was academically ineligible in his first season for the Cyclones.

Uwazurike overcame a lot of difficulties over the years and became a first team All-Big 12 last season.  He has a solid presence in the middle and should be a reliable rotational option in his NFL career.

Other Possible Selections

• Isaiah Pola-Mao, Free Safety, Southern California
• Micah McFadden, Linebacker, Indiana
• Markquese Bell, Strong Safety, Florida A&M
• Bailey Zappe, Quarterback, Western Kentucky
• Noah Elliss, Defensive Tackle, Idaho

Adding a tight end in the seventh may seem like a wasted pick, but having three selections in this round allows the Washington Commanders to add the best player available.

Cole Turner, Tight End, Nevada – 6-6, 245

There is a bit of uncertainty with the status of Logan Thomas and it is unknown if he will be ready when training camp opens.  Cole Turner is certainly not a prospect that is ready to start this season and he could be stashed on the practice squad.  His size and skillsets are intriguing, but Turner will need some time to adjust to life in the NFL.  Within a year or two, he could be a good special teams player, blocker, and rotational depth option.

Luke Goedeke, Offensive Tackle/Guard, Central Michigan – 6-5, 315

Luke Goedeke offers flexibility along the offensive line.  He can be a swing tackle.  He can back up both guard positions.  His best bet is to play on the inside, but he could impress in training camp and earn a spot on the depth chart at tackle.  He has the potential to be a long term depth piece in the NFL.

The Washington Commanders have seen some major changes over the last couple of weeks, but many more changes are coming later next month.  We’re currently in the second wave of free agency and the third wave will be here following the draft.  The mock drafts will increase in frequency and we’ll take a look at many more prospects in the days ahead.