Commanders draft Craig Woodson
- Defensive Back | California Golden Bears
The Washington Commanders could make some slight tweaks to their safety options this offseason. If Adam Peters cannot work out a long-term deal with Jeremy Chinn after his superb first season with the team, the need becomes more urgent.
Even if Chinn sticks around, bolstering the depth options behind the starting duo wouldn't be the worst idea in the world. Darrick Forrest is a free agent and won't return. Percy Butler is a potential salary-cap casualty. Tyler Owens remains a work in progress with the physical scope to impact special teams.
Taking a flier on another safety with one of Washington's final picks is something for Peters to consider. Craig Woodson comes with more impressive traits than most at this stage of the draft, with his athleticism and versatility representing traits Dan Quinn looks for in his defensive backs.
Woodson isn't the most physically imposing, but he's a fluid mover capable of matching up in man coverage. The defensive back is a willing helper against the run, arriving violently to the contact point with enough technique to make a difference.
Teams will be watching Woodson's top-end speed during the evaluation stage, which isn't the best. But his overall outlook is well worth the Commanders examining closer on day three of the draft.
Commanders draft Carson Vinson
- Offensive Tackle | Alabama A&M Bulldogs
Carson Vinson is one of the most intriguing names entering the draft this year. The Alabama A&M offensive tackle isn't expected to be among the first prospects taken by any stretch of the imagination, but someone is going to bet on his imposing physical attributes in the hope they become something more with NFL coaching.
Vinson dominated almost everything in his path with the Bulldogs. He's got an elite-level wingspan that allows the edge protector to create leverage effortlessly. But the lack of high-caliber competition in college is something that will hurt his stock.
The prospect will get the chance to showcase what he can offer in front of influential NFL personnel before the draft. Alabama's pro day is always well attended considering the program's been a pro-pipeline over the last decade. Vinson has been permitted to work out by the Crimson Tide. Taking advantage of this will go a long way to determining where he's eventually picked.
Washington could bring Vinson into the fold as a development project to back up their starting offensive tackles. If he takes on coaching and makes more of his impressive athletic profile, one couldn't dismiss the possibility of a starting role in his future somewhere down the line.