3 draft targets for Commanders if they trade back in first round

The Washington Commanders own the No. 11 pick in the upcoming draft, so they could potentially have their choice of prospects. Between Kyle Hamilton, Derek Stingley or simply selecting the best receiver available, the front office could almost have too many choices to chew over on draft night.

If that’s the case, could Washington consider trading back in the first round?

If there’s a team willing to jump up to No. 11 overall to draft a quarterback or one of the coveted offensive/defensive linemen before they get taken, the Commanders are in an excellent position to trade back and stockpile more picks.

We already speculated three teams that could form a trade-back partnership with Washington, so let’s take things a step further and highlight three prospects the Commanders could target if they move down in the first round.

3 draft targets for Commanders if they trade back

3. Daxton Hill

For most of the pre-draft process, analysts and prognosticators had Daxton Hill penciled in as a potential fit for Washington at pick No. 47 in the second round. With draft night less than two weeks away, however, Hill might not make it beyond Round 1. Even if he does, he’s not lasting until the 47th pick.

In ESPN’s Mel Kiper’s latest mock, he projected Hill to land in Buffalo at pick No. 25, so the Michigan product is soaring up draft boards. It’s easy to see why that’s the case, as he’s as versatile as they come amongst defensive backs.

In Dane Brugler of The Athletic’s latest mock, he has Hill going as high as No. 21 overall to the Patriots. In other words, the former Wolverine would definitely be in play for Washington depending how far (and if) they trade back.

In 2021 alone, Hill played 550 snaps at nickel, but he’s just as comfortable as a cornerback and could even be a long-term safety when all is said and done. With a relative athletic score that ranked 79th out of 803 tested safeties since 1987, the jump in speed from college to the pros won’t trouble Hill.

Over his three years at Michigan, Hill compiled 96 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 15 passes defended, four interceptions and three fumble recoveries. A productive player that brings invaluable versatility to the table?

Sign us up for that.