NFL Network mock draft gives Commanders great value pick in first round

With the first wave of free agency and all of the quarterback movement in the rearview mirror, the NFL Draft has taken centerstage amongst football fans. Of course, another star receiver could get traded and completely upend the news cycle, but we like to think all of the bombshell deals are behind us.

Regardless, the draft is officially less than a month away, so mock drafts are being published left and right.

The most anticipated mock — from ESPN expert Mel Kiper Jr. — featured a surprise for the Washington Commanders in the form of LSU cornerback Derek Stingley, who’s upside would be tough to pass up with the No. 11 overall pick.

If you take a look elsewhere, CBS Sports mocked Ohio State wide receiver Garrett Wilson to Washington, The Draft Network mocked Alabama WR Jameson Williams and NFL Media had the Commanders take USC wideout Drake London.

Any one of those prospects would be intriguing at No. 11 overall, but NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, one of the most respected draft analysts in the business, had Washington going a different route in Round 1.

Anybody open to Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton?

NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah mocked Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton to the Commanders in the first round.

Jeremiah’s pick for Washington is surprising on multiple fronts. After all, most mocks seem convinced Ron Rivera and Co. will splurge on either a wide receiver or cornerback with their first-round pick. While safety is definitely a need for the Commanders, it’s not glaring and Kyle Hamilton is someone whom most draft analysts perceive as a lock to go in the top five, let alone the top 10.

In fact, Kiper had Hamilton going second overall to the Lions. That’s what makes this an outstanding value pick for Washington.

Coming off the heels of a disappointing (for his standards) Combine performance, it wouldn’t be overly shocking if the Notre Dam star slides in the draft, especially if there’s an early run on offensive tackles and edge rushers.

In short, Hamilton is a rare breed of safety. At 6-foot-4 with elite playmaking ability and the versatility to play the single-high role, in the box or out of the slot, nobody would bat an eyelash if Hamilton wound up as the best player from the 2022 class five years from now.

According to Pro Football Focus, Hamilton’s 91.5 coverage grade is third among Power 5 safeties since his freshman year in 2019. He missed Notre Dame’s final five games with a knee injury this past season and still managed three interceptions and pass breakups apiece over his first seven contests.

Bottom line? Any team would be lucky to have Hamilton and him falling to the 11th overall selection would be tough to pass up for the Commanders. Should that come to fruition, though, the front office will have to ask itself whether it should draft the best player available (Hamilton) or address a bigger need.

For anyone curious, Garrett Wilson, Sauce Gardner and Drake London were all off the board by Washington’s turn in Jeremiah’s mock.

In that scenario, the Commanders (excluding Hamilton) would choose between Stingley, Jameson Williams, Chris Olave and Treylon Burks, whom Jeremiah has going four picks in a row between Nos. 20-23, respectively.

What say you, Commanders fans. Would you be open to the idea of Washington drafting Hamilton with the 11th pick?