2022 NFL Draft: Commanders seven-round mock using only SEC players
By Jerry Trotta
Only three weeks remain until the 2022 NFL Draft and fans of the Washington Commanders can hardly contain their excitement. We’d even sprinkle in some nervousness given so much is riding on the No. 11 overall pick.
The silver lining is the Commanders could only screw up the pick by drafting a quarterback, offensive lineman or linebacker. Anything ranging from a wide receiver (yes please), cornerback or safety would qualify as a job well done.
With draft night just three weeks away, Commanders fans have likely seen mock drafts of every variety.
Whether it be Ohio State’s Garrett Wilson or Chris Olave, Cincinnati’s Ahmad Gardner, Notre Dame’s Kyle Hamilton or LSU’s Derek Stingley, draft experts believe Washington could go many different directions in the first round.
Given the Commanders history when it comes to drafting SEC players (Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, Montez Sweat, Kam Curl, Jamin Davis, etc.), let’s step outside the box and dive into a seven-round mock using exclusively SEC players.
2022 NFL Draft: Commanders Seven-Round Mock
1. player. 829. . WR . Crimson Tide . Jameson Williams
Round 1, Pick No. 11: Alabama WR Jameson Williams
The other players considered here were LSU corner Derek Stingley and Arkansas receiver Treylon Burks. All three prospects would be fine picks, but we decided to give Washington the most explosive wideout in this year’s class in Jameson Williams.
As we know, Williams tore his ACL in the national championship game, so he wouldn’t contribute right away. With that said, the Alabama product is said to be ahead of schedule in his recovery post-surgery, so his return could come sooner than later. Williams himself said he expects to be cleared by training camp.
Simply put, Williams profiles as a premier deep threat who can take the top off of opposing defenses.
While Terry McLaurin is capable of hauling in deep passes, that’s not his so-called area of expertise. The same can be said for Curtis Samuel, who projects to be a gadget slot receiver that lines up out of the backfield on occasion.
In Williams, the Commanders would get a receiver who finished fifth in the nation in receiving yards (1,572), tied for second in touchdown catches (15) and sixth amongst receivers in yards per reception (19.9) this past season.
Williams’ ability to track and run under any deep ball figures to fit perfectly with new quarterback Carson Wentz, who loves to let it loose from time to time.