Commanders draft Nick Barrett
- Defensive Line | South Carolina Gamecocks
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 188
The Washington Commanders are projected to move into a 3-4 base front under new coordinator Daronte Jones. Signing Tim Settle Jr. in free agency gives the franchise a decent-looking trio alongside Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw, but the team's depth could use an upgrade.
Adding a physical force for the nose tackle position might be something Adam Peters contemplates during the draft. They need a presence capable of absorbing combination blocks and freeing up space for others. Nick Barrett ticked those boxes, and he represents a potential steal on Day 3.
Barrett's motor is first class. He's a brute force against the run, boasting violent hands and the exposiveness needed to generate leverage quickly. The South Carolina product is a measured prospect who does almost everything well. If he can improve his consistency and develop a better balance for recovering after losing ground, he's got immediate rotational upside.
Commanders draft Owen Heinecke
- Linebacker | Oklahoma Sooners
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 206
The Commanders bolstered their linebacking corps with Leo Chenal in free agency. He's been a standout rotational force and special-teams ace with the Kansas City Chiefs, so he looks more than ready for increased responsibilities in Washington.
This is a good draft for linebackers. The Commanders still have Frankie Luvu, Jordan Magee, and Chenal. Even so, Peters will probably add to the defensive second-level at some stage.
There is a chance Sonny Styles enters the equation at No. 7 overall if he's not taken beforehand. If Peters opts to bid his time for more value, there could be some hidden gems a little further down the order.
Owen Heinecke might be a little undersized by NFL standards, but he's instinctive, technically sound, and knows how to get around the football. His last season at Oklahoma was a massive step forward, so he's well worth a gamble here.
Commanders draft J'Mari Taylor
- Running Back | Virginia Cavaliers
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 223
Speculation continues to mount around the Commanders potentially selecting Notre Dame standout Jeremiyah Love with the No. 7 pick, though he might be gone by the time Washington goes on the clock. However, Adam Peters could wait until a little later, as he did last year with Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
The Commanders have Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White, Jerome Ford, and Jeremy McNichols in their running back room right now. Love would be a tempting proposition, but Peters may decide that Washington is not in a position to be taking the backfield weapon so high in the draft.
J'Mari Taylor is the choice with Washington's final selection. He's a little undersized, but the progress he made at Virginia last season is encouraging. Gaining 1,315 yards from scrimmage and 15 touchdowns is no mean feat. Even though he may not be an every-down back, he could carve out a role on the rotation as a development project.