Washington Commanders Day 3 Mock Draft

The Washington Commanders selected two players in the second and third rounds of Friday night’s NFL Draft extravaganza in Las Vegas.  The final day awaits and there are team needs that should receive attention.

Day two of the 2022 NFL Draft is in the books.  The Washington Commanders selected a pair of Alabama standouts – defensive tackle Phidarian “Phil” Mathis in the second round and running back Brian Robinson late in the third stanza.  For several seasons in the previous decade, the Burgundy and Gold consistently added players from the Heart of Dixie and last night felt like old times once again.

The story of Friday evening centered on a continued slide of the quarterbacks on day two.  Analysts and armchair general managers did not expect this to happen, but the astonishing slide ended late in the third round, but some quarterbacks have now fallen to the third day.  Will Washington be tempted to select a quarterback with one of their fourth round picks?  Also, more trades continued on the second day of the draft and it is simply mirroring what we have seen in free agency thus far.

Welcome to our Day Three mock draft.  After taking three solid players in the first three rounds, the Washington Commanders now have five selections in the final four rounds.  How will it unfold?  Who is on the draft board for the Commanders?  Let’s get right to it!

Round One

***Official***

Jahan Dotson, Wide Receiver, Penn State – 5-11, 180

Dotson arrived in Ashburn on Friday and met with the team, held a press conference, and made his uniform selection already – the number “1”.  That choice is very fitting for being the first ever pick under the new name.  Dotson and Terry McLaurin should combine to be a lethal duo on the outside and in the slot.

Round Two

***Official***

Phidarian Mathis, Defensive Tackle, Alabama – 6-4, 310

The Commanders had a need at defensive tackle after the departures of Tim Settle and Matt Ioannidis recently, but yours truly rated Phil Mathis as a third rounder.  It’s still a solid pick and he will be a contributor from day one.  Also, Mathis had nine sacks last year and is a great pass rusher from the DT position.

Round Three

***Official***

Brian Robinson, Running Back, Alabama – 6-1, 230

Washington wanted a bruiser at running back and they scored a direct hit.  We said it would come down to Breece Hall and Robinson here and that makes it an indirect hit for yours truly.  One interesting stat – Robinson had zero fumbles last year.  He loves running over defenders and you will love watching him plow through the defense each week.

Round Four

Tariq Woolen, Cornerback, Texas-San Antonio – 6-4, 205

When a projected second round talent slips to the fourth round, Washington should be turning in the card quicker than a greased cheetah strapped to a bullet train.  Woolen is similar in size to Benjamin St-Juste and just as talented.  He would be a solid addition to the defensive secondary.

***Trade***

Washington trades down a handful of positions in the fourth round and gains a fifth round selection.

JoJo Doman, Inside Linebacker, Nebraska – 6-1, 230

JoJo Doman is a solid coverage linebacker and can play close to the line.  He can play Buffalo nickel, but will need some time to adapt to it.  Doman will need a bit of time to adjust to the NFL as well, but should be a regular contributor by the mid-season.

Round Five

Cordell Volson, Offensive Tackle/Guard, North Dakota State – 6-6, 320

Volson is a solid offensive lineman and was one of the best at the FCS level.  He lined up at right tackle for NDSU, but most analysts expect him to be an interior lineman in the NFL.  Coaches have vowed to provide protection for quarterback Carson Wentz and Volson will bring solid depth to Washington’s offensive line.

Round Six

Cole Turner, Tight End, Nevada – 6-4, 240

The Washington Commanders spent a lot of time with Turner in recent weeks.   and several team representatives visited with him recently in Reno and conducted a private workout as well.  The versatile tight end can play in-line and outside as a number three receiver.  He could be a hidden gem and steal in the sixth round.

Round Seven

Reed Blankenship, Strong Safety, Middle Tennessee State – 6-1, 195

Blankenship is a versatile chess piece for any defense that is seeking a hardworking and focused player.  He can play in the box or quickly drop into a deep zone.  His specialty could be at Buffalo nickel or in the slot.

Chance Campbell, Inside Linebacker, Mississippi – 6-2, 235

Washington met with Campbell only once, but he does come with some upside and the team could be intrigued with his potential.  Campbell will need to prove his worth on special teams this season, but the Ole Miss product could become a solid rotational piece in the future.

And just like that, the 2022 mock draft season comes to a close.  What a ride it has been.  Thanks for following along and always adding your comments throughout the process.  A 2023 mock is coming sometime within the next couple of weeks and then we will see the mocks on a long hiatus.  On to the remainder of free agency!