After the offseason trade for quarterback Carson Wentz, one would argue the Washington Commanders’ two most significant needs are at wide receiver and inside linebacker.
Some will continue to believe quarterback remains a massive need with Wentz’s issues at his last two stops. However, for 2022 at least, this is Wentz’s team, and Washington’s goal is to build around the quarterback to help him succeed, rather than selecting another passer.
In a new mock draft by Pro Football Focus where Seth Galina does a three-round mock for all four NFC East teams, Wentz gets some help at No. 11 overall in the form of USC wide receiver Drake London.
London would fill a big hole opposite Terry McLaurin. With McLaurin already an established No. 1 wideout, London would be the ideal complement to McLaurin. And if the Commanders can get a healthy Curtis Samuel back in 2022, the wide receiver position suddenly becomes a position of strength.
PFF on London:
Curtis Samuel will return to Washington next season, but after putting most of their eggs in the Wentz basket, the Commanders need to surround him with even more receiving talent. Drake London will play outside opposite Terry McLaurin while Samuel plays on the inside. London is not the same type of receiver as McLaurin, but he does provide Washington with another player who can make contested catches. McLaurin led the league in contested catches last season as a 6-foot, 208-pound receiver. London led the FBS in contested catches as a 6-foot-4, 219-pound receiver, as the USC product excels at high-pointing contested passeses.
With how erratic Wentz can be, receivers who can make receptions outside their frame and in contested situations are key. McLaurin is the speed, acrobat type of receiver while London is the big-bodied, jump ball receiver.
PFF makes a wise assumption in its assessment of Wentz being erratic. London is the 2022 NFL draft’s No. 1 contested-catch wideout, while McLaurin was No. 1 in the NFL in contested catches in 2021.
Terry McLaurin: 25 contested catches last season (1st among all WRs)
He has a new QB now
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— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) March 10, 2022
In the second round at No. 47 overall, PFF mocks Wyoming linebacker Chad Muma to Washington. After selecting Jamin Davis in the first round last season, it’s doubtful the Commanders would look to select another linebacker in round one, ruling out someone like Devin Lloyd or Nakobe Dean.
PFF on Muma:
The Commanders linebacker room is a mess, so taking the super productive Chad Muma is a step in the right direction. His athletic traits stand out, which was confirmed when he tested at a high level in multiple disciplines. His bench press, vertical jump, broad jump and three-cone time were all above the 85th percentile among linebackers.
Muma, at No. 47, would be an ideal pick for Washington. An athletic, productive and instinctive playmaker, Muma can immediately help the Commanders at inside linebacker. A combination of Muma, Davis and Cole Holcomb would give Washington plenty of speed and athleticism at linebacker.