Final Washington Commanders 2022 Mock Draft

The Washington Commanders are just days away from fortifying their roster via the 2022 NFL Draft.  Team needs will be addressed and collegiate players will begin a journey that many have been dreaming about for years.

This is it.  The moment in time has arrived.  Draft boards are set.  Team coaches and front office personnel are formulating their draft strategies.  The all-star games are history.  The formal and informal meetings with prospects have concluded.  The NFL Combine and college team pro days provided teams with detailed evaluations. The private workouts and team visits are winding down.  It’s money time.  No more delays.  It’s also time to make last minute plans for your at-home tailgating menus for each day of the draft.  Be sure to share some of your tailgating ideas in the comments below.  Are you ready?

Welcome to the final mock draft from yours truly for this 2022 offseason.  What a ride it has been the last three months.  A stunning trade from the Washington Commanders and Indianapolis Colts came at a time when a multiplicity of quarterbacks changed teams in what can be described as arguably the strangest offseason ever.

Final Washington Commanders 2022 Mock Draft

The Commanders have retained some of their free agents while others have been allowed to walk.  Free agency will continue to shape the roster following the draft, but the focus today is squarely on the draft and this final mock draft.

Some mocks can come with a certain amount of asperity from fans, but other diehards of the Burgundy and Gold welcome the information that accompanies these educated football guesses.  That is the purpose of mock drafts – providing you with information on possible prospects.  With that in mind, we will continue with a new feature that was introduced in the no-trade mock a few days ago and will be used in many mocks from this day forward.  You should notice the changes.  Team needs include wide receiver, offensive line depth, running back depth, developmental quarterback, defensive tackle, middle linebacker, and secondary depth.  Let’s jump right in and see how this mock will unfold.

Round One

Drake London, Wide Receiver, Southern California – 6-4, 215

*** The Numbers

• Hand: 9.5
• Arm: 34
• Wing: 79.5
• Vertical: 32
• Bench Press: DNP
• Broad Jump: DNP
• 3 Cone: DNP
• Short Shuttle: DNP
• 40: DNP

While other enticing prospects could be available at this juncture, the front office should not overthink the selection.  A talented wide receiver across from Terry McLaurin is desperately needed and London has been on the Washington Commanders’ radar screen for several weeks and possibly longer.

The front office is rumored to be seeking a trade partner (a trade down) with this pick and acquiring additional draft capital, but it will be difficult to find a team that will consider it.  Most trades occur with teams picking in the top ten and that rules out Washington.  We’re not prepared to say that it won’t happen, but it is still very unlikely.

London was a highly rated high school prospect and many FBS programs noticed the potential, but he chose Southern Cal over Virginia (yes, the Cavaliers had a realistic chance).  He would be a solid fit in Washington’s offense at the Z and X receiver positions and be the perfect complement to McLaurin, Dyami Brown, and Curtis Samuel.  London will make the receiver corps very lethal and should provide Wentz with another downfield weapon.  Having London, McLaurin, and Samuel on the field together would be a dream scenario come true for the coaches, and especially, the fans.

London may or may not be the first choice at receiver here for some fans, but we are acknowledging that Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and London could be chosen in the top ten.  Jameson Williams is another possibility, but his injury may prevent him from seeing the field until late in the season.  Also, Williams may not be available until 2023.  If cornerback Ahmad Gardner is there at eleven, it will be very difficult to pass on him.

Drake London is a receiver that fans should be excited about and there are several reasons why.  He played basketball at Southern Cal (Virginia was going to allow him the same opportunity) and his leaping ability makes him an ideal target in the end zone.  London had an explosive year in 2021 for the Trojans and was superb in a season that was shortened in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Other Possible Selections

• Ahmad Gardner, Cornerback, Cincinnati
• Garrett Wilson, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
• Devin Lloyd, Linebacker, Utah
• Chris Olave, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
• Kyle Hamilton, Free-Strong Safety/Buffalo Nickel, Notre Dame
• Jameson Williams, Wide Receiver, Alabama

Note: Many mock drafts have London going tenth overall to the Jets.  If that happens, look for the Commanders to draft Chris Olave.