Commanders Mock Draft: Washington makes massive trade in fist round

R4, P113 Dylan Parham, G/C, Memphis

With the departure of five-time Pro Bowler Brandon Scherff, the Commanders have a hole to fill at the right guard position.

While Wes Schweitzer is slated to fill in at right guard for the time being in 2022, he is entering the last year of his contract. Newest signee Andrew Norwell signed just a two-year contract and Saahdiq Charles is still unproven, so the Commanders look to add a guard to compete for playing time in 2022 at pick No. 113.

Coming out of high school as a defensive end and tight end recruit, Parham is definitely plenty athletic enough as an offensive linemen. His above average movement skills, flexibility and agility make it so he is a force to be wrecking with on angle blocks and out in space.

Washington has already had success with other smaller, agile linemen in Chase Roullier, Sam Cosmi (well… maybe he is not so small) and Charles Leno. Dylan Parham, despite lacking elite size, could fit right in to John Matsko’s offensive line. He can set the tone in the run game and has good enough core strength to be capable enough day one as a pass blocker.

Parham also played all over the offensive line for the Tigers, starting 28 games at left guard, 12 at right guard and 11 at right tackle. Some scouts he can be a center at the next level. His versatility certainly should entice Ron Rivera and Matsko. If he is still available on Day 3, Washington should not hesitate to make this selection.

R6, P189 Ty Chandler, RB, North Carolina 

A Tennessee transfer playing just one year in the light blue, Chandler had big shoes to fill after the departure of Javonte Williams and Michael Carter. And he certainly filled in admirably. Rushing for 1092 yards and averaging 6.0 yards a carry, Chandler was a great compliment to the Sam Howell-led passing attack in Chapel Hill.

Chandler has an advanced feel as a runner, which he used his agility to cut seamlessly in and out of open gaps. An elite athlete who ran a 4.38 40-yard dash, Chandler has the ability to house any handoff. Chandler possesses above average contact balance as well, using his strong frame to glide off arm tackles and possessing a capable stiff arm.

He also can provide a three-down element to the Commanders offense, showing a reliable feel in the passing game. He also was critical as a pass protecter in picking up free rushers, which is a valued trait.

Having experience as a kick and punt returner, he can provide day one impact in that facet of the game. And he can also serve as injury insurance for either Antonio Gibson or J.D. McKissic, while he works to potentially take the RB1 mantle one day in the Nation’s Capital.

R7, P230 Thomas Booker, DT, Stanford 

With Tim Settle signing a free agent contract with the Buffalo Bills and the releasing of Matt Ioannidis, the Commanders look to add depth along the interior. And Thomas Booker can provide just that for Washington.

His Stanford education clearly translates to the football field, as he is a highly cererbral player. He is quick to diagnose plays and act quickly. In an interview with Brett Kollman and EJ Snyder at the Shrine Bowl, his acumen clearly pops off the screen as he talks about the chess match along the line.

Booker is not just incredibly intelligent but his athleticism jumps off the screen. Posting a 9.86 RAS, with a 4.95 40-yard dash at 300 pounds, he has an elite first step. He possesses a strong punch at the point of attack, which he uses to get to the quarterback and block shed in the running game.

The reason he falls to the seventh round in this simulation is because he lacks many counter moves. He is an athletic one-trick pony at this point. When his first move gets countered by the offensive linemen, he struggles to counter to the counter.

However, Washington should pounce on Booker as a late developmental player. Possessing high football IQ and elite athleticism, his deficiencies can certainly be molded or made less notable. Booker won’t be asked to play a huge role either, playing behind Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne, so he can use his strong hands and elite athleticism in short bursts to provide valuable snaps for the Commanders.

That concludes the second edition of my mock draft. Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below!