Commanders draft Jayden Higgins
- Wide Receiver | Iowa State Cyclones
- Round No. 2 | Pick No. 51
The Washington Commanders might not have the biggest need for the wide receiver position. That won't stop Adam Peters from adding another weapon for quarterback Jayden Daniels if he feels like value can be had.
Acquiring Deebo Samuel Sr. via trade from the San Francisco 49ers provides intrigue in abundance. Noah Brown and K.J. Osborn were re-signed. The Commanders also brought Michael Gallup out of retirement, which could see him become a decent contributor if he adjusts well. There's also the small matter of Terry McLaurin's presence to factor into the equation.
Jayden Higgins is a tempting proposition in the second round. The Iowa State prospect knows how to get open. He's a route technician with the speed to stretch the field. He does all this with a 6-foot-4 frame that allows him to put his wide wingspan to good use.
Higgins has the body control to make things happen in tight windows. He's versatile enough to play anywhere along the line of scrimmage, and his red-zone prowess will be a major tool for an NFL team to call upon. Other pressing needs like edge rusher and cornerback could take priority, but there is a notable drop-off in this wide receiver class after Day 2.
That makes Higgins a risk worth taking.
Commanders draft Bradyn Swinson
- Edge Rusher | LSU Tigers
- Round No. 2 | Pick No. 61
Finding an explosive edge rusher is among Washington's biggest objectives during the draft. Adam Peters brought in a couple of proven veterans in free agency, but nothing to move the needle all that much.
Dante Fowler Jr. is no longer around after joining the Dallas Cowboys. Giving defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. an added injection of energy can only help. And one of Jayden Daniels' former college teammates represents a ton of value at this stage of the selection process.
Bradyn Swinson is coming off a stellar campaign with the LSU Tigers, gaining 8.5 sacks and propelling himself into Day 2 consideration. He's always had the physical tools to be impactful. It took a while, but NFL teams finally got a taste of what's to come last time around.
Swinson boasts an explosive first step and enough bend to get around opposing offensive tackles with ease. His speed to power move is difficult to stop. This is matched by relentless energy, an array of pass-rushing moves, and superb hand placement that cannot be overlooked.
The trajectory is pointing up for Swinson, and the ceiling is high. Washington could do far worse than look in his direction if they are still seeking edge-rushing help at No. 61 overall.