Could Commanders shock everyone and draft QB in second round?

Th 2022 NFL Draft gets underway tomorrow at 8 p.m. ET and all the attention is focused on the Washington Commanders‘ first-round pick. Of course, only the first round will take place on Thursday with Rounds 2 and 3 unfolding on Friday and 4-7 following suit on Saturday.

While everyone is fixated on whom the Commanders will take No. 11 overall, the latest pre-draft rumors could affect their plans on Day 2.

On Tuesday, it was reported the team isn’t expected to offer Daron Payne an extension. Now seemingly a trade candidate, Washington could acquire more picks or simply look to draft his future replacement if he stays and leaves next year.

That update really threw a wrench into fans’ expectations, so another couldn’t possibly do any more damage, right? Indeed it could.

In a recent draft column for ESPN, insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano revealed what they’re hearing about rising and falling stocks, potential trade scenarios and where some positions, like linebackers and QBs, could get taken.

Speaking of quarterbacks, Fowler noted the Commanders have done “a lot of research” on Ole Miss’ Matt Corral leading up to the draft.

The Commanders are showing interest in Ole Miss QB Matt Corral.

Here’s what Fowler said (subscription required) about the Commanders’ reported interest in Corral and taking a quarterback on Day 2.

"Washington hasn’t been linked to draft-eligible quarterbacks much since trading for Carson Wentz before free agency. But the word heading into draft weekend is the Commanders have done a lot of research on Ole Miss’ Matt Corral, researching his background from high school to college.Washington could be looking for quarterback help on Day 2 of the draft. The Saints and Panthers also have done much homework on Corral. Some coaches were underwhelmed with his presence in team interviews, but many are high on his quick release and natural throwing ability."

Down 0-2 in the count, Washington fans have been thrown yet another knee-buckling curveball just 24 hours before the start of the draft. Though Corral “underwhelmed” during the interview process, his leadership instincts, overall toughness and commitment to winning should trump those concerns.

Having played in a QB-friendly scheme at Ole Miss, Corral will presumably take a redshirt year as a rookie wherever he ends up. His quick-trigger release and beautiful touch allow him to complete any pass, but he needs to improve on working through his progressions and being more responsible with the football.

In a vacuum, Corral would be a compelling pick for Washington.

While Carson Wentz is locked in as the starter and Ron Rivera is hopeful he’s the long-term answer, that shouldn’t prevent the team from searching for its QB of the future. Having joined his third team in as many seasons, there’s no way to know for sure that Wentz will morph back into a franchise quarterback.

https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1518394358793445376

On the other hand, though, you could question the logic behind Washington drafting a quarterback in the second round when they don’t own a third … especially considering Rivera’s conviction in Wentz. Of course, this conversation changes if they acquire more picks by trading down or unloading Payne.

As things stand, though, fans are right to question the idea of taking Corral at No. 47 overall, as they’ll wait 66 picks before their next selection.

Wherever you side on the matter, don’t be stunned if the Commanders shock everyone and take Corral on Day 2. Their interest seems legit.