Washington finds its quarterback in the latest Draft Wire mock draft

The Washington Football Team’s biggest offseason need is no secret. Washington desperately needs a quarterback. No surprise, right?

In his Friday meeting with the media, Washington coach Ron Rivera spoke to the media and was asked specifically about the quarterback position, and this is how he answered:

“We’re gonna look at every opportunity, every prospect, every situation, every circumstance,” Rivera answered. “Hopefully, as we go through this, we can come up with the right answer.”

Rivera didn’t downplay Washington’s need at the game’s most important position.

Picking a quarterback in the 2022 NFL draft is almost a certainty for Washington. And, there’s no guarantee a first-round quarterback will succeed, but that’s your best opportunity to find a passer who can play immediately.

Washington will know where it’s picking in the upcoming draft after the season finale against the Giants. That could determine what Washington does in its offseason search for a quarterback.

In the latest Draft Wire mock draft, Washington finds its quarterback — in the second round. Here is Washington’s three picks in the following three-round mock draft with comments on each selection.

No. 9 — Notre Dame S Kyle Hamilton

Quarterback is obviously the biggest need here, but there’s just not a prospect on the board worthy of passing up one of the top overall talents in this year’s class. Despite missing much of this season due to injury, Hamilton’s well-rounded skill set and limitless potential make him the rare safety worth taking in the top 10.

Hamilton is a fantastic prospect, but I do not see Rivera going for a safety this high in the draft. If no quarterback is available, then cornerback makes more sense than safety.

No. 40 — Liberty QB Malik Willis

Willis received a lot of first-round buzz over the last year, but there are some concerns about his accuracy. He fits the current NFL, possesses a strong arm and has a strong build. He is an excellent runner, and perhaps Rivera sees a little of Cam Newton in Willis. Willis has a high ceiling, and if he fell to the second round, he could prove to be a steal. If Washington keeps Taylor Heinicke around, there won’t be as much of a rush to get Willis on the field immediately.

No. 71 — Miami OT Zion Nelson

Nelson has prototypical size and athleticism to play left tackle in the NFL. He is a true junior, meaning he is young and, like Willis, has a big-time upside. If Cornelius Lucas leaves via free agency, Nelson could be Washington’s swing tackle as soon as 2022.