By Adam Aniba
After acquiring Carson Wentz from the Colts for this year's 3rd round, swap of 2nd rounders and a '23 3rd round conditional pick (can turn into a 2nd), drafting a 1st round quarterback seems extremely unlikely,
With Big Ben retiring in Pittsburgh and Mitch Trubisky the current starter, Washington sets the tone of their draft by agreeing to a trade with the Pittsburgh, sending pick #11 (1250 pts) in exchange for PIT #20 overall (850 pts), 2nd rd #52 overall (380 pts) 4th rd #138 overall (37 pts)
*NFL TRADE Chart Referenced*
1st Rd #20
Treylon Burks
6'2" 225 lbs | WR | ARK
Career (40 games) 178 rec 3,140 yds for 22 tds 17.6 per rec
Rushing-38 att 222 yds 1 td 5.8 yrd avg
'21 (12 games ) 82 rec for 1,474 yards for 8 tds 18.0 per rec
The Razorbacks WR is a threat from anywhere on the filed including lining up in the backfield with '21 being a career year (82 rec for 1,474 yards & 8 tds 18.0 per rec). He led Arkansas in receiving yards every season during his 3 year career. Has been comped to San Francisco receiver Deebo Samuel as an overall offensive threat, but also provides experience as a KR. With Curtis Samuel being limited by injury in '21 and Dyami Brown still learning the nuances of the game, Burks is a plug and play receiver that can lineup at the slot or outside and is an ideal pick that presents value in this trade-back situation. (CLICK for FULL Prospect Report)
2nd Rd #47
Jaquan Brisker
6'1" 199 lbs | FS | PSU
Career (34 games) 151 tak (85 solo), 10 TFL, 5 ints, 14 PD & 1 FR
'21 (12 games) 63 tak (38 solo), 6 TFL, 2 ints, 5 PD & 1 FR
Jaquan Brisker is a safety prospect that can be a force against the run, but even more impressive in coverage. Brisker has good length and opposing defenses had to constantly account for him, with '21 being his best statistical season (63 tak, 6 TFL, 2 ints with 5 passes defended and 1 forced fumble allowed).
His zero catches allowed in 11 coverage snaps is what gained the attention of scouts. Although Brisker could go earlier, the run on 1st round pass rushers, o-lineman and receivers could push some high ceiling defensive backs to Day 2. (CLICK for FULL Prospect Report)
*2nd Rd #52
Chad Muma
6'3" 239 lbs | LB | Wyoming
Career (33 games) 266 tak (145 solo), 19 TFL, 3 ints, 2 PD, 5.5 sacks, 1 FF, 2 FR & 2 TD
'21 (13 games) 142 tak (44 solo), 8 TFL, 3 ints, 5 PD, 1.5 sacks & 1 FR
Fans hoped '20 1st rd 19th overall selection Jamin Davis would fill the hole at MLB, but per Ron Rivera's recent comments, Cole Holcomb is the likely option at MLB. Although the draft offers some early round help at linebacker, most are weak side/strong side linebackers with some being developmental MIKE LB's.
The Wyoming outside LB is ferocious hitter and great value at pick #52. He's a force against the run, but also displayed the ability to cover running backs/TE's and is a 3-down linebacker. (STAY Tuned for Full Scouting Report)
4th rd #113
Joshua Williams
6'3" 197 lbs | CB | Fayetteville St
Career (28 games) 79 tak (55 solo), 11.5 TFL, 1 sack, 5 ints (374 int ret yds), 2 tds & 22 PD
2020 (No Season to Spring Did Not Play)
2021 (9 games) 31 tak (20 solo) 3 ints & 9 PD
Williams was featured in our HBCU spotlight prospect of for the '21 season. He was also featured by ESPN Draft analyst Jordan Reid as a Day 3 prospect on the rise. The Fayetteville St star CB, had a career a season in which he tallied 3 ints and 9 passes defended. At 6'3, Williams impressed scouts during the NFL Combine with his fluidity and explosiveness in drills.
After running a 4.53 second forty and recording a 36" vertical leap, Williams brings size and depth to a shaky Washington CB unit. WJ3 and Fuller are the starters for now, but behind them lies plenty of question marks. Williams would instantly challenge for CB3/CB4 as he learns the nuances of the pro game. (CLICK for FULL Prospect Report w/ Interview)
*4th rd #138
Chigoziem Okonkwo
6'2 1/2" 238 lbs | TE | Maryland
Career (30 games) 77 rec for 717 yds & 8 tds 9.3 per rec avg
*Rushing- 3 att for 72 yds & 2 tds
2021 (30 games) 52 rec for 447 yds & 5 tds 8.6 yds per rec avg
The former high school receiver is versatile weapon that can lineup at H-back and Flex tight end. The Terps tight end impressed teams at the combine running a 4.52 second forty and 35.5" vertical leap. The current situation with the Commanders tight end position leads to this selection.
With Logan Thomas recovering from a torn ACL and John Bates still developing his ability as an overall pass catcher, the pick makes sense. Okonkwo is much more than insurance/depth selection and provides Carson Wentz with another weapon who's capable of helping in the short/intermediate passing game. (CLICK for FULL Scouting Report)
6th rd #189
Eric Johnson
6'4" 300 lbs | DL | Mizz St
Career (55 games) 131 tak, 19.5 TFL & 6.5 sacks
'21 (10 games) 43 tak, 6.5 tak for a loss & 3 blocked kicks
Washington invests in another small school prospect with the Mizz St defensive lineman Eric Johnson. Johnson set a school-recorded playing in 55 consecutive games as a five-year starter for Mizz State. As a rotational defensive lineman, Johnson lined up inside at DL and DE. He was also a core special team contributor and had 3 blocked kicks in '21, which adds to his value as a late round selection. Johnson ran a 4.87 forty and measured a 82.5" wingspan at the NFL Combine.
The loss of Tim Settle and release of Matt Ioannidis, leave the Commanders thin at defensive tackle. Similar to Ioannidis who was drafted in the 5th rd 152 overall in '16, Johnson could have the same type of impact in a reserve role. (Stay Tuned Full Scouting Report)
7th #230
Dohnavan West
6'3" 296 lbs | C/G | ARZ St
As a developmental Center/Guard prospect, West will get a legit chance to make Washington's roster that lacks IOL depth. West has been giving a 5th -6th round draft grade by most major scouting outlets, so present decent value this late. He displays decent burst off the snap, loose hips and has a mean streak. I expect Ron Rivera to look more IOL after the draft, with an eye on post-draft cuts and UDFA.
7th #239
Smoke Monday
6'2" 207 lbs | S/LB | Auburn
Career (144 games) 171 tak (105 solo), 17 TFL, 5 ints, 8 PD, 6 sacks, 1 FF & 3 TD
'21 (13 games) 63 tak (44 solo), 9 TFL, 2 ints, 5 PD, 2 sacks & 1 TD
Monday projects as a developmental tweener SS/LB prospect on the next level. As a two-year starter for the Tigers defense, Monday packs a punch in run support and could be a valuable core special teamer. The Auburn defensive back needs a lot of work in pass overage, so keeping him close to the line in blitz sub-packages, could be a role carved out for the hybrid defensive back. Replacing Landon Collins as a hybrid linebacker and could have a role in "Buffalo Nickel" packages down the road. In the end, taking a late round flier on the prospect with the best name in the draft, seems like a high reward low risk selection.
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