Commanders draft Marcus Neal Jr.
- Safety | Penn State Nittany Lions
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 141
Nick Cross has been a nice addition to the Washington Commanders' safety unit, but questions remain about the rest. This will be an overlooked but critical need for Adam Peters to address next spring.
Jeremy Reaves is a high-effort player whose play sometimes lacks quality. Tyler Owens and Percy Butler might be re-signed, but they are nothing more than special-teamers for now. Quan Martin is still struggling, and the chances of him getting another new deal are remote.
More will be needed. And if Marcus Neal Jr. is still around in the fifth round, the Commanders could do a lot worse than examine the Penn State product's credentials in greater detail.
Neal is big, fast, and physical. He's starting to read the game a lot better, and he's got the closing speed to make plays. There are some technical refinements to figure out, but this is an intriguing possibility.
Commanders draft Hollywood Smothers
- Running Back | Texas Longhorns
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 185
The Commanders' running back dynamic is uncertain, at least in the long term. Only Jacory Croskey-Merritt is under contract beyond 2026, and none of the remaining veterans appear to be in line for new deals.
Rachaad White has largely underwhelmed. Austin Ekeler is back, but it could be a short-term solution. Jeremy McNichols is a core special teams presence, but his limitations are obvious.
Washington needs a rethink alongside Croskey-Merritt. Signing a prolific free agent to play alongside Jayden Daniels is an option, but going down the draft route is another potential path that could be a cheaper alternative.
Hollywood Smothers might not be a physical presence between the tackles, but for the wide zone scheme David Blough runs, he looks perfect. The Texas product has speed to go off the edge, and he is elusive when he gets into the open field to break off big yardage.
Smothers needs the right fit in the right scheme, but he's got potential.
Commanders draft Mario Landino
- Defensive Line | Indiana Hoosiers
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 223
The Commanders could use additional depth, especially on defense. This matters especially if Daron Payne is traded before the deadline.
Rumors are swirling around Payne. If the Commanders don't win any of their next two games after the bye week, Adam Peters may decide to get something back in return. It would be a big loss, but reports suggest he does have a market.
Javon Kinlaw has bounced back, which is encouraging. Tim Settle Jr. hasn't met expectations as yet, and he is now splitting reps with Shy Tuttle. Aside from that, the cupboard is relatively bare, so another big offseason awaits in the trenches.
Much will depend on what the Commanders do with Payne and over free agency, but Mario Landino is a capable performer who could be a rotational 3-4 defensive end once he gets to the pros.
Landino comes from a winning program, but he'll have to improve his run blocking to stand any chance of reaching his ceiling.
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