Commanders draft Quincy Riley
- Cornerback | Louisville Cardinals
- Round No. 4 | Pick No. 133
Adding another cornerback might not be the pressing need it once was for the Washington Commanders. Joe Whitt Jr. has a decent-looking quartet at his disposal heading into the campaign. One more from the college ranks is only going to help cope with some outstanding passing attacks on the schedule next time around.
Marshon Lattimore and Mike Sainristil are the two top-tier stars. Noah Igbinoghene re-signed on a one-year deal after catching the eye with consistent performances last season. Adam Peters also signed two-time Super Bowl winner Jonathan Jones in free agency, who'll be a significant asset on and off the field with a clear run of luck on the health front.
If the Commanders could acquire someone like Quincy Riley, that would do nicely. The Louisville prospect is another who's drawn interest from those in power during their pre-draft evaluations. He's athletic, instinctive, and has the ball skills needed to turn opportunities into takeaways when opportunities arise.
Riley's lack of size or length could mean he becomes a slot specialist in the pros. His production is serviceable on the boundary, so it's another versatile piece that the Commanders can move around depending on the matchup.
If the Commanders are looking for value at this stage of the draft, Riley represents exactly that.
Commanders draft Teddye Buchanan
- Linebacker | California Golden Bears
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 205
This part of the draft is all about finding someone with the athletic attributes needed to be molded into a productive NFL performer. Teddye Buchanan has the physical profile that could entice Dan Quinn and Adam Peters enough to take the plunge.
Buchanan is a 6-foot-2, 233-pound linebacker who clocked in at 4.6 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. His 79 athleticism score ranked No. 9 among all participating linebackers, which makes him an impactful force against the run when everything clicks.
Finding consistency is the next challenge for Buchanan. He tends to gamble with his angles, which need refinement when the margins get finer in the NFL. Even so, the California prospect is a smooth mover with ascending physical traits. Getting the chance to learn behind Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu makes this a fantastic landing spot for the player.
The Commanders have similar development hopes for Jordan Magee. Buchanan represents a risk worth taking here.
Commanders draft Patrick Jenkins
- Defensive Line | Tulane Green Wave
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 245
Getting more dominant in the trenches was a big priority for Adam Peters this offseason. Several defensive linemen were re-signed, and the Commanders gave Javon Kinlaw a contract that most immediately deemed excessive. Jonathan Allen was released when a willing trade suitor didn't come forward, which could be felt more than originally expected unless others don't step up to the plate.
It might be worth the Commanders adding another development piece later in the draft to mold behind the projected starting trio of Daron Payne, Johnny Newton, and Kinlaw. Patrick Jenkins has the physical scope to be a useful pass-rushing weapon from the interior if provided enough time to get problem areas of his game up to speed.
Jenkins's lack of height and length has seen the Tulane prospect go under the radar compared to others. His quick first step and relentless motor make him a potential late-round gem that could help the Commanders as the campaign goes on.