Even though the Washington Commanders still have six games to navigate after the bye week, fans are already turning their attention to the offseason. That's a direct result of head coach Dan Quinn's squad plummeting after so much was expected before the campaign.
Adam Peters has a lot of hard work ahead. The Commanders should have over $100 million in available salary-cap space, but the general manager only has six draft selections. Considering the desperate need to get younger and revamp this roster, that is far from ideal.
Fortunately for Peters (sort of), the Commanders look primed to have a high pick in the first round. Trading back for more assets is feasible. If not, there should be blue-chip prospects available in positions of need.
Commanders could draft Rueben Bain Jr. if quarterbacks go early
Matt Miller of ESPN gave the Commanders a bona fide gift in his latest mock draft. With several quarterbacks going beforehand, the respected analyst thought Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. could be available for Peters when the time comes.
"The Commanders have needs along their defensive front seven, specifically at edge rusher and linebacker. [Rueben] Bain has three sacks, 40 pressures and a time to first pressure of 2.58 seconds this season (32nd in the FBS) despite facing constant double-teams. The 6-3 275-pounder is versatile, with the strength to align as a 6-technique along the right side of the defense and as a 3-technique in speedier defensive line packages. With Von Miller nearing the end of his career (he turns 37 in March) and Jacob Martin entering free agency, Washington needs to upgrade on the edge."Matt Miller, ESPN
If this scenario comes to fruition, and it's a big if, the Commanders should waste no time turning in their card. Peters would also be wise to resist any trade offers that come his way, despite only having two picks in the first four rounds.
One could make a strong case for Bain being the best prospect in this class. He is a phenomenal force who is almost impossible to stop in one-on-one situations. The fact that he is still producing despite constant double- and triple-teams is only going to serve him well when he gets to the pros.
The Commanders are in desperate need of improved edge explosiveness. Dorance Armstrong Jr. was enjoying a breakout campaign before getting hurt. Jacob Martin is doing enough for another deal, albeit as a rotational option. The rest are old or injured, so a fresh injection of energy is essential.
Slotting Bain opposite Armstrong would instantly change things for the Commanders. Whether he'd be around at No. 7 overall remains to be seen, but there is also a chance Washington could be picking higher if its losing run continues after the bye.
Time will tell on all fronts. But if Bain somehow ends up in Washington, fans should be doing cartwheels.