The Washington Commanders have a new name, a new look, and a new identity. We take a look at their future with a new potential franchise QB.
The Washington Commanders have a new name, new uniforms, and a new identity as a franchise. We can all finally move forward from the Washington Football Team era and move on to the next.
Now that they have new uniforms, a new name, and a new logo, what about a new franchise quarterback?
As admirable of a job as Taylor Heinicke did for Washington these past couple of years, it’s time for Washington to get someone in place that they can make a jump in the NFC with. That could happen this offseason via trade or the 2022 NFL Draft, but I think this version of the Washington franchise is going to pass on the Ryan Fitzpatricks of the NFL world.
Let’s take a look at a 2022 Washington Commanders mock draft, the first we’ve ever done for the team with their new name and new look.
2022 Washington Commanders mock draft
1. Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
The Washington Commanders hold the 11th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. As of right now, there’s a chance they could be in position to stay put and draft the QB1 on their board.
I’m not certain that Sam Howell is going to wind up as everyone’s QB1, but that cream could rise back to the top sooner rather than later.
Although Howell struggled some this past year at North Carolina, context matters. He lost about 87 players, give or take, to the NFL last offseason. He was a one-man show at UNC this past season compared to the year prior when he had Javonte Williams, Michael Carter, Dyami Brown, and Dazz Newsome.
He played a little too much hero ball early in 2021 but evened out as the season went along. He still managed 35 total touchdowns offensively, 11 of them coming as a runner which was an aspect of his game that was really unlocked this past season.
Pairing him up with Terry McLaurin and the skill position talent in Washington could be exactly what this Washington Commanders team needs.
2. Washington Commanders pick David Bell, WR, Purdue
With their second-round draft choice, I wanted to go one of two different directions for the Washington Commanders — an offensive lineman or wide receiver.
Washington has Terry McLaurin at receiver, and they drafted Dyami Brown last year, but they need more options in the passing game.
David Bell out of Purdue is the type of player who can be an offense creator for you, and I think he would mesh well with the other players already in place.
We already know that Dyami Brown out of the slot with Sam Howell is deadly. Terry McLaurin is scary from every part of the field.
Adding a player like David Bell could add another dynamic to the Washington Commanders’ offense and give them someone who can win after the catch and stretch the field vertically.
One of the things I loved most about Bell’s game at Purdue, and what I think will translate best to the next level, was his ability to pluck the ball out of the air with his hands and his strong hands in contested catch situations.
With McLaurin on the field, there will be plenty of one-on-one opportunities coming David Bell’s way and I think he’s liable to win quite a few.
3. Washington Commanders third-round pick: Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming
Although the plan going into round three was undoubtedly to upgrade the offensive line, taking Chad Muma to pair up with 2021 first-round pick Jamin Davis was simply too enticing to ignore.
Washington is going to need to maintain a very high level of defensive play to support a rookie quarterback, and the off-ball linebacker position is really one of the only spots with a missing piece in that unit.
With David Mayo slated to hit free agency, a player like Muma could come in and give the Washington Commanders two commanding, athletic playmakers at the off-ball linebacker position.
At 6-foot-3, 245 pounds, Muma flies around the field instinctively and with a ton of athletic explosiveness.
Every NFL team is looking for the next Fred Warner. Why do we think Washington prioritized Jamin Davis a year ago?
If Davis can continue to develop, he and Muma would give this team an enviable duo for years to come at the off-ball linebacker spot.
More than just cleaning up what gets behind the defensive line, Muma is capable of wrecking offensive gameplans with his aggressiveness and ability to shoot gaps. He racked up 16 tackles for loss over the past two seasons.
Washington Commanders mock draft, Day 3 picks
4. Cole Strange, IOL, UT-Chattanooga
At some point this offseason, the Washington Commanders must address the interior offensive line.
Brandon Scherff is a free agent. Tyler Larsen is a free agent.
Young players like Saahdiq Charles and Keith Ismael could be expected to play bigger roles in 2022, but that means the depth up front is also going to need to be fortified.
Cole Strange can play center or guard at the next level and give Washington an option as a starter in the future.
6. Tyler Goodson, RB, Iowa
Antonio Gibson should be expected to bounce back in a big way next year. With JD McKissick ending the season on IR and also hitting free agency, Washington could look into discount options at the backup running back position.
Goodson was very solid as a featured back the last few years for the Iowa Hawkeyes and can do a little bit of everything from running between the tackles, outside, or making plays as a receiver.
7. Cade York, K, LSU
The Washington Commanders need to figure out their long-term situation at kicker, a problem area for this team.
Cade York out of LSU has been clutch over the last few years, nailing some big kicks beyond 50 yards.
With his big leg and clutch play, he’s definitely a candidate to come off the board as opposed to being signed after the draft like most kickers.