By Adam Aniba
This year's Senior Bowl features a few offensive prospects, that have the potential to be instant difference makers on the next level. The Commanders sent their entire coahcing staff, minus HC Ron Rivera to this weeks event in Mobile.
Although Washington will have their eyes on multiple prospects, three Day 2 and Day 3 Draft prospects could find themselves wearing the Burgundy and Gold this year.
On the offensive side of the ball, it's clear that o-line will be a focus, but a mid round RB and a late round QB also fill a need for depth.
Cody Mauch | T/G | NDSU
Late 2nd-3rd Rd Grade
6'4" 305 lbs
32 1/8" Arms
9 5/8" Hands
79 3/4" Wingspan
*Although Mauch played left tackle at North Dakota State University, during Senior Bowl practices he was asked to line up at guard and center. The Bison lineman excels in the run game and utilizes a powerful punch. Mauch plays with a mean streak as a finisher, but also displays quick feet and has upside when facing speed rushers in pass pro. Mauch excels when in space and is extremely agile.
Some evaluators have questioned his overall power and level of competition, but he has all the makings of a plug & play guard. The Commanders will have a new look o-line next season and a versatile prospect that can play multiple positions along the line will be intriguing during Day 2 of the draft.
Tyson Bagent | QB | Shepherd
Late 5th-6th Rd Grade
Career (53 games) 1400/2040 17,034 yds for 159 TDs & 48 ints
(Rushing) 179 yds 12 TDs
2022 (15 games) 400/572 4,580 yards for 41 TDs & 8 ints
(Rushing) 71 yds 5 TDs
6'2" 213 lbs
30 3/8" Arms
9 1/2" Hands
75 3/8" Wingspan
*In all likelihood second year signal caller Sam Howell will get the keys to the offense for the upcoming season. As for Carson Wentz, it's believed he'll be the first name to be on the chopping block with a zero dead cap hit and savings of $26.1M. As for free agent Taylor Heinicke, it's very possible he won't be back as well.
Free agency will be the place Rivera adds a vet backup, but adding a young QB to develop is something Washington has neglected to under the Snyder era.
Bagent threw for over 17K yards in his career, but also displayed the ability to buy time in the pocket with his legs. Check out more on the DII quarterback in our recent scouting report.
Tyjae Spears | RB | Tulane
4th Rd Grade
Career (33 games) 427 att for 2,910 yds and 31 TDs (6.8 ypc)
*Receiving- 48 rec for 564 yds and 3 TDs (11.8 ypr)
2022 (14 games) 427 att for 1,581 yds and 31 TDs (6.8 ypc)
5'9" 204 lbs
30 5/8" Arms
10" Hands
74" Wingspan
*Spears has been opening eyes during the Senior Bowl practices with his agility/athleticism as a runner and receiver. In fact, the Tulane RB might be the best route runner of the among the backs in the draft class. As a natural hands catcher, he's always got his eyes downfield looking to make a play after the catch.
Although not the biggest back, his compact build allows him to gain yards after contact, frequently falling forward for extra yards and slipping out of would be tackles. He can also be a valuable special teams contributor, displaying decisiveness as a returner.
Second year back Brian Robinson as earned his role as Washington's bell cow back, but the future doesn't seem as clear for Antonio Gibson who is on the last year of his rookie deal. Rivera has been adamant about his vision for the offense, as a run based scheme and Spears certainly opened eyes during the week in Mobile.
Outlook
Although there will be many prospects that the Commanders will have their eyes on during the Senior Bowl, offensive line prospects in particular will be a position of focus.
Rebuilding in the trenches will be key, for whoever the next offensive coordinator will be, in order to optimize the short and long term success for Howell.
Addressing depth at other positions will also be key, considering injuries can derail a season. Many of the prospects in Mobile will get invited to the NFL Combine and getting an early look, will put Washington in a good position heading into free agency and the draft.
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