Commanders draft Jaylin Noel
- Wide Receiver | Iowa State Cyclones
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 205
The Washington Commanders could use one of their five draft picks on another wide receiver for quarterback Jayden Daniels. There isn't a great need right now, especially if Noah Brown and K.J. Osborn progress further with a full offseason with the squad. At the same time, no team can ever have enough outstanding pass-catchers.
This might not come right away. That could alter depending on whether general manager Adam Peters trades down for additional assets, but there are some intriguing sleepers a little lower down the pecking order upon further examination of this class.
Jaylin Noel fits into that bracket. He's a tricky evaluation considering his lack of legitimate size. Even so, his playmaking ability over the last two seasons makes him an intriguing development project who could learn a great deal from Deebo Samuel Sr. and Wes Welker during his initial transition.
Noel thrives in space. He's a dangerous yards-after-the-catch threat, which would give the Commanders another versatile weapon to move around the line of scrimmage in this scenario. The Iowa State prospect is much less physical than Samuel, something that makes creating separation against press coverage difficult.
If the Commanders form a plan to develop Noel and use him correctly on the rotation, he's well worth the risk at this stage of the draft.
Commanders draft Adin Huntington
- Defensive Line | Tulane Green Wave
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 245
Adding to the defensive front became a big priority for Adam Peters in free agency. This was almost guaranteed after veteran Pro Bowl lineman Jonathan Allen was released when no willing trade suitor came forward.
Javon Kinlaw and Deatrich Wise Jr. should help, especially against the run. Most of Peters' free agents were re-signed, with the likes of Sheldon Day and Jalyn Holmes flashing when called upon during Washington's fairytale run to the final four.
It might be worth the Commanders adding another to the depth chart when the draft rolls around. Those in power have taken a keen interest in Adin Huntington throughout their comprehensive pre-draft assessments. He's versatile, powerful, and makes plays in all phases. He's also got the effort and high character Washington loves in its fledgling stars.
Huntington revealed that he met with Peters, Dan Quinn, and Ryan Kerrigan, among others, at Washington's local pro day. This is the third time he'd spoken to the Commanders in recent months, which is a notable development, all things considered.
The Tulane prospect is expected to be a late-round selection. Some analysts have him going undrafted, but the Commanders could use their final pick on the lineman and get ahead of the queue for his services.