3 mistakes Commanders can’t afford to make in 2022 NFL Draft
By Jerry Trotta
The Washington Commanders are already under pressure to nail the upcoming draft, but that pressure increases ten fold with each week that passes and they don’t bolster their roster in the form of a free agent signing.
In fact, as of April 8 Washington was tied with the Cowboys and Colts for the fewest external free-agent signings with two. Given Indianapolis has since made a couple moves, it’s now a neck-and-neck race between Washington and Dallas.
Even more bizarre? The Commanders lone free agent signings — guard Andrew Norwell and defensive lineman Efe Obada — have previous ties to Ron Rivera. While external signings by the letter of the law, both come with caveats.
With that in mind, it’s unlikely Washington makes any further signings before draft night on April 27. In other words, they’re likely to enter the showcase having to fill myriad roster holes. That almost always opens the door for mistakes, so let’s highlight three draft miscues the front office can’t afford to make.
3 mistakes Commanders can’t make in 2022 NFL Draft
3. Bypassing Adding Offensive Line Depth
It might not seem important given all of the other needs on the roster, but the Commanders need to address their offensive line in the draft.
As presently constructed, veteran swing tackle Cornelius Lucas and 2020 fourth-rounder Saahdiq Charles, who filled in admirably at guard last season, are the only backups worth trusting. We suppose Tyler Larsen can be lumped into that category, but the 30-year-old center is coming off a torn Achilles.
Given the lack of depth and litany of injuries the OL sustained in 2021, Washington must draft at least one linemen this year. The fourth round — pick No. 113 to be exact — wouldn’t be a bad place to start, but we wouldn’t be opposed to the sixth round, where the team found stud Chase Roullier back in 2017.
Whether it be a guard or a potential development tackle (something I’m talking myself into as we get closer to draft night), one of the Commanders’ mid-to late-round picks should focus on the offensive line.
Given Ron Rivera’s affection for versatile players, whomever they draft will presumably be able to cover two positions. Potential options include Tennessee’s Cade Mays, Oklahoma’s Tyrese Robinson, UTSA’s Spencer Buford, Wake Forest’s Zac Tom, Central Michigan’s Luke Goedeke and Southern Utah’s Braxton Jones.