This is always the most fun part of the draft – uncovering those diamonds in the rough that NFL GMs overlook! Some of my past gems include Russell Wilson, Dak Prescott, Yannick Ngakoue, Tim Settle, and Darius Leonard to name a few. Last year, I had Jamin Davis as a gem (not the best start to his career but it’s still early) and Dax Milne, both of whom the Commanders drafted. Here is a list of some of the players that stood out to me during the pre-draft process. You will probably not hear their names in the 1st round tomorrow, but you may hear them a lot in the years to come.

Calvin Austin III, WR, Memphis 2-4th round:

Quick hits: Elite speed/ quickness, dominated senior bowl, still learning the position

Skinny: Being a former track star, everyone knew Austin III would dominate the NFL combine (4.38 40, 135″ broad, 6.65 cone(!)), but no one expected him to be as dominant at the senior bowl as he was. Austin smoked his competition and was a daily “best player at practice” by most of the scouts there. He came into the draft process with question marks about his route-running ability but I believe he answered that in Mobile. Calvin averaged 15.5 yards per catch last year at Memphis where he finished the season with 10 total TDs if you include the returned punts and kicks as well. My biggest concern is Calvin’s hands. Too many times he looked awkward extending to make a catch and had a tendency to let the ball hit him in the chest instead of catching it with his hands. Austin is listed at 5’8″ so he will be primarily a slot receiver and return man at the next level. However, with that elite speed and agility combined with the route-running he showed at the senior bowl, he could be the next Tyreek Hill (as long as he works on those hands).

Khalil Shakir, WR, Boise ST 3-5th round:

Quick hits: Great college production, dominated senior bowl, leader, better athlete than scouts say

Skinny: Shakir was another one of those players who looked great at the senior bowl. He plays much bigger than his 6’0″ frame and with a 4.43 40, he proved he’s more than just a 50/50 jump ball winner. Shakir is an underrated route runner and has solid balance when taking contact. He finished as 1st-team All-Mountain West all three years at Boise ST, finishing his senior season with 1,117 yards and 7 TDS (14.5 yards per reception). Also, he was named captain of the Broncos his junior and senior year. All in all, he’s just a good football player that may slip to day 3 because of all the other good receivers in this class. He could easily be this year’s Amon-Ra St. Brown and be a steal for anyone with a need at WR.

Nick Cross, S, MD 2-3rd Round:

Quick hits: Big hitter, good hands, great speed, home town kid

Skinny: Nick Cross is a big reason why teams may be apprehensive to take Kyle Hamilton early in the 1st round. Here is a player who has the size, speed, and tenacity to make all the same plays Hamilton can, but who won’t cost you more than a 2nd or 3rd round pick. Scouts say Cross does not excel in coverage (wasn’t asked to play a lot of man to man) but he sure made plenty of plays during his time at Maryland (6 INTs and 3 forced fumbles over 2.5 years). He wowed the scouts at the combine, running a 4.34 40 and added a broad jump of 130″. While he may not look quite that fast on film, he certainly flies around the field and is never afraid to lay the lumber on a running back in the hole or a WR over the middle. I’ve seen some scouts say he is a ‘box safety’ which might be a stretch considering he ran such a fast 40 and played deep exclusively at MD. However, he would be perfect for the Commanders buffalo nickel position that Rivera and Del Rio covet and be a nice, needed compliment to Kamren Curl.

Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming 2-3rd Round:

Quick hits: Excellent production, elite instincts, great senior bowl

Skinny: Muma may not be much of a late round gem since his name should be called midway through the 2nd round, but it’s worth noting Muma absolutely has all the tools to be the best linebacker in this class. His tape was so good, it’s almost boring. He dominated the competition at Wyoming, leading the Cowboys with 142 tackles and was a finalist for the Butkus Award (best Linebacker in NCAA). He has impeccable instincts and sheds blocks like they’re nothing. Granted, he wasn’t being blocked by the kind of o-lineman he will see at the next level, but he made easy work out of them nonetheless. At the Senior Bowl, he showed off his speed by constantly being the first man to the ball and making a big play on Malik Willis (chasing him down from the other side of the field). Muma will benefit from the NFL strength training program and should be a special teams ace early with the potential to turn into Luke Keuchly in a year or two.

Darrian Beavers, MLB, Cincinnati 3-7th round:

Quick hits: Big and strong, experience at Safety and DE, improved every year

Skinny: Beavers is a tough customer. He anchored the middle of the Bearcats defense and was a finalist for the Butkus Award after finishing the year with 102 tackles (11.5 for loss!), 4.5 sacks and an interception. Beavers is listed at 6’4″ and 237lbs but he looks much bigger than that on film. Beavers was a safety in high school and was a DE for UCONN before he transferred to Cincy. He is a tone-setter at the point of attack and is a natural in coverage. Oh, and he can rush the passer. There is so much to like about him that it’s odd he is falling so far down teams board (likely the 4.7 40 time at his pro day). Beavers may not have the speed to keep up with slot receivers but he should be a stout MLB against the run from day 1. I can see Beavers starting at MLB from day one and being an emotional leader any team who drafts him.

Jalen Wydermeyer, TE, OSU 3-6th round:

Quick hits: Good size, great hands, excellent balance after contact

Skinny: Turn on the film and you will get excited about Wydermeyer. He certainly looks the part, constantly winning 50/50 balls and making those tough catches over the middle in traffic like he’s the second coming on Antonio Gates. He has good speed and can turn any play into a big play with his balance (bounces off of tacklers with ease). What worries me is Wydermeyer was an Freshman All-American for A&M and was expected to build off of that but just never did. He finished each year with roughly 500 yards, and 4-6 TDs. I like to imagine that Wydermeyer’s talent could be unleashed in the NFL but the Aggies coach Jimbo Fisher isn’t one to waste talent. Still, I like what I saw in Wydermeyer on film and would be a big fan of him coming to DC with a day 3 pick.

Jelani Woods, TE, UVA 3-6th round:

Quick hits: Big and fast, huge senior season, better as the season went along, raw

Skinny: Walker transferred from OK ST to UVA for his senior season and earned All-ACC honors finishing with 598 yards and 8 TDs for the Cavaliers. Walker is a big dude, standing 6’7″ and weighing 259lbs and quickly became one of the most talked about players in this draft when he ran a 4.61 40 at combine along with 24 reps on the bench with those long 34″ arms. His lack of production at OK ST is concerning and he could be nothing but a one-year wonder. He doesn’t have the best hands and won’t do a whole lot after the catch. Further, his route-running needs some serious work (very slow in and out of cuts). Basically, Woods is raw. He is a heck of an athlete, a tough run blocker, and is a mismatch for anyone at his size. The NFL is a big mans league and with the right coaching, Woods could be a big time player (or at the very least a big time threat in the red zone).

• The Skins Skinny Final Mock Draft
• 2023 NFL Draft Offense Player Rankings
• Welcome to DC Jahan Dotson!
• Mid-Late Round Draft Gems 2022
• Ranking the Top 2022 NFL Draft Prospects at Each Position

Only three more days until the 2022 NFL Draft! All signs are pointing to this draft being the most unpredictable draft in years. Here is a quick list of my top 5 players at every position with an asterisk next to the players who the Commanders should be considering at #11 overall and a double asterisks next to the players who they should be considering at #47 overall.

QB:

1. Malik Willis, Liberty 1^st round
2. Sam Howell, UNC 1-2^nd round
3. Kenny Pickett, Pitt 1-2^nd round
4. Desmond Ridder, Cincy 2^nd round
5. Matt Corral, Ole Miss 2-3^rd round

RB:

1. Breece Hall**, Iowa ST 2^nd round
2. Kenneth Walker**, Mich ST, 2^nd round
3. Isiah Spiller**, Texas A&M 2-3^rd
4. Brian Robertson**, Alabama 2-3^rd
5. James Cook, Georgia**, 2-3^rd

WR:

1. Chris Olave* 1^st round
2. Garret Wilson* 1^st round
3. Treylon Burkes* 1^st round
4. Jameson Williams* 1^st round
5. Jahan Dotson 1-2^nd round

TE:

1. Jeremy Ruckert, OSU, 2-3rd round
2. Trey McBride, Colorado ST, 2-3rd round
3. Greg Dulcich, UCLA, 3-4th round
4. Jalen Wydermyer, Texas A&M, 4-5th round
5. Isiah Likely, Coastal Carolina, 4-6th round

OT:

1. Ikem Ekwonu, NC ST* Top 5
2. Evan Neal, Alabama* Top 10
3. Charles Cross, Miss ST 1^st round
4. Tyler Smith, Tulsa 1-2^nd round
5. Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa 2^nd round

IOL:

1. Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa* Top 10
2. Kenyon Green, Texas A&M 1^st round
3. Zion Johnson, BC 1^st round
4. Ed Ingram, LSU 2-3^rd round
5. Jamaree Sayler, Georgia 3-5^th round

DT:

1. Jordan Davis*, Georgia Top 5
2. Devonte Wyatt, Georgia Top 10
3. Perrion Winfrey**, Oklahoma 1-2^nd round
4. Travis Jones, UCONN 1-2^nd round
5. Logan Hall, Houston 2^nd round

EDGE:

1. Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon Top 5
2. Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan Top 10
3. George Karlaftis, Purdue 1^st round
4. Jermaine Johnson, Florida ST, 1^st round
5. Boye Mafe, Minnesota, 1-2^nd round

LB:

1. Nakobe Dean, Georgia, 1^st round
2. Devin Lloyd, Utah, 1-2^nd round
3. Chad Muma**, Wyoming 2^nd round
4. Christian Harris**, 2^nd round
5. Leo Chenal, 2-3^rd round

CB:

1. Ahmad Gardner*, Cincinnati, Top 5
2. Devin Stingley*, LSU Top 10
3. Trent McDuffey, Washington 1^st round
4. Kaiir Elam**, Florida 1^st round
5. Andrew Booth**, Clemson 1-2^nd round

S:

1. Kyle Hamilton*, ND Top 5
2. Jalen Pitre**, Baylor 1-2^nd round
3. Jaquan Brisker**, Penn ST 2^nd round
4. Daxton Hill**, Michigan 2^nd round
5. Lewis Cline, Georgia 2-3^rd round

Film notes:

1. This class is deep with edge rushers. It’s insane to think that edge rushers could go 1, 2, 3 in this draft but with Georgia’s Trayvon Walker now being rumored as the 1^st overall pick, that may become reality. The Lions have made it clear Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson is their favorite player on the board so if he is there at #2, they will not hesitate to select him. Thibodeaux has the highest pedigree being the #1 overall player coming out of high school but there are concerns about his work ethic and love for the game. Yet, he was still great at Oregon and should be a top 5 pick on his talent alone. Karlaftis is barely being talked about but he is a Ryan Kerrigan clone and should have a solid career. Boye Mafe was widely thought of as a day two pick but after his stellar senior bowl, some are thinking he may even go late in the 1^st round, especially if there is a run on edge rushers early. Michigan’s David Ojabo tore his ACL at his senior day but he should go day 2 and has just as much talent as anyone in the top 5. Also, it will be interesting to see where the Ole Miss’s Sam Williams (2021’s SEC sack leader) ends up on day 2.
   
   
2. While the WR class is deep, there is no true consensus #1 like Jamar Chase was last year. That being said, it will be interesting to see how many go in the 1^st round after the price tag on wide receiver position has skyrocketed this offseason (Christian Kirk 4yr/ $72m, Tyreek Hill 4yr/ $120m, Devonte Adams 5yr/ $140m). Many old-school GMs cannot stomach the thought of paying a player $30m+ a year who only touches the ball maybe 5-6 times a game. Not to mention, in today’s game, you need 3 or even 4 good pass catches for a successful offense and they are all useless if your QB can’t make the throws or make the right decisions… However, all this means that WRs on rookie deals are becoming the next best bargain next to QBs on rookie deals. If the WR you draft becomes a star (especially in the 1^st round with that 5th year option) you have 3-4 years to make a super team around him before you have to pay him. Teams like Green Bay and Kansas City just traded away their superstar WRs instead of paying those big contracts, so they will likely be in the hunt for WR (or two) early in this draft. Also, considering both of them have two 1^st round picks in the late 1^st, teams who need a WR may be forced to use an early pick on one instead of waiting until round 2 to see who falls (if any). There could be 6 or even 7 WRs selected on Thursday…
   
   
3. The offensive lineman in this class are mediocre at best. While I think Ekwonu, Neal, and Linderbaum could be studs, the rest of the bunch does not excite me. I expect those three to go off the board early and the rest day 2 or undrafted. The Commanders are lucky to have a decent offensive line because outside of those top 10 guys, it is slim pickings.
   
   
4. The QBs in this class are going to get some general managers fired. Kenny Pickett was clearly the most productive QB last year out of this bunch. However, he was somewhat of a one-year wonder, where his sophomore/ junior year were meh before he exploded this past year. Plus, he has a knack for leaving clean pockets for no reason. Malik Willis is the best athlete in the class along with arguably the strongest arm and can escape pressure like Mike Vick. However, he plays hero-ball to much, running backwards and throwing back across his body at bad angles which led to back-breaking interceptions. He is my favorite QB in the class but is one handful of a project. Sam Howell is somewhat of a mixture of Pickett and Willis. He has a strong arm and is a strong runner but he showed serious inaccuracy at times and looks more like a Taysom Hill type of QB, bulldozing linebackers and getting tough yards, than he does a pro-style QB who can deliver from the pocket. While the Commanders made a head-scratching move giving up a 3^rd round this year and soon-to-be 2^nd round pick in 2023 for a QB who most likely was going to be cut, it may have been worth it to avoid having to select someone from this QB class and potentially have the whole operation implode.
   
   
5. The Cornerbacks in this class are very good, deep, and somewhat underrated. Derek Stingley was widely considered to be best player in this draft before he had a lackluster 2021 riddled with injuries. However, his freshman year was one of the best years ever for college CB so if an NFL coach can harness that potential, he could be wearing a gold jacket one day. Cincy’s Sauce Gardiner is now widely considered to be the first CB to come off the board and after watching his film, you can see why. He was one of the only players to put the straps on Bama’s Jameson Williams this year plus he is one of the taller CBs in the class. Oh, and did I mention he didn’t give up a single TD his entire collegiate career? Washington’s McDuffie and Florida’s Kaiir Elam are not being talked about as much but they are going to help an NFL team’s secondary tremendously. The best way to stop a WR is with a lockdown corner. If teams are going to start loading up at WR either via the draft or by signing them to massive contracts, I can see their rivals loading up on CBs to combat them. I expect CBs to go much higher than what the NFL media is expecting.
   

---

• The Skins Skinny Final Mock Draft
• 2023 NFL Draft Offense Player Rankings
• Welcome to DC Jahan Dotson!
• Mid-Late Round Draft Gems 2022
• Ranking the Top 2022 NFL Draft Prospects at Each Position

We are two and a half weeks away from this year’s NFL draft and it is going to be a wild one. For the first time since 2017, the #1 overall pick will not be a Quarterback and frankly, it remains somewhat of a mystery who the selection will be. The mock drafts this year have been wild so without further ado, here are my picks for the entire 1st round.

*Note: this is not necessarily what I would do if I were General Manager of the team, but is what I am seeing following rumors and NFL news.*

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Aiden Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan: Hutchinson has been widely considered as the #1 overall player in this years draft class and he helped solidify the consensus with by blowing away the interviewing process after an outstanding combine. He may not have the ceiling as some of the other edge rushers in the class, but he will be a contributor immediately and Jacksonville can use all the help they can get.
   
2. Detroit Lions: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon: Thibodeaux has been an enigma in this years draft. He was the #1 overall high recruit out of high school in the 2019 class and was an 1st team All-American for the Oregon, leading the Ducks with 10 TFLs and 7 sacks in 11 games. He has all the speed (4.54 40), strength (27 reps), and size (6’4″ 254lbs) you could want for a premier edge rusher. However, many are questioning his work ethic and love for the game. Depending on who you ask, Thibodeaux will either a top 3 pick or fall out of the top 15 completely. I don’t believe the latter. I cannot see the Lions passing on him and his All-Pro potential. Dan Campbell is a hell of a motivator and I am sure will use all this pre-draft nonsense to push Thibodeaux to the next level.
   
   
   
3. Houston Texans: Sauce Gardiner, CB, Cincinnati: The Texans are in full rebuild and need all the help they can get on both sides of the ball. They especially need help at DB so they will select the best one on the board. Sauce immediately becomes the best player on the Texans defense from day 1.
   
   
   
4. New York Jets: Derek Stingley Jr, CB, LSU: The Jets are probably hoping the Texans would take Gardner but they stick to the plan and get the next best CB on the board with Derek Stingley. Stingley was a beast his freshman year, helping the Tigers win a National Championship but nagging injuries limited his production the last two years. Robert Saleh will look to revive that freshman year Stingley and if he can, the Jets are looking at the second coming of Darrel Revis.
   
   
5. New York Giants: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama: The G-men most likely do not expect Evan Neal to be here at #5 overall but if he is, they will happily select him to help them sure-up that struggling offensive line. Neal was a stud for the Crimson Tide last year, helping Bryce Young stay upright and helping him win the Heisman Trophy. The Giants don’t have the best luck with 1st round tackles but Neal is about as polished of a prospect you can get at the tackle position and he has experience at RT as well as LT, which will allow Andrew Thomas to stay at LT. He should be a longtime starter for the Giants.
   
   
6. Carolina Panther: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty: The Panthers are the first team to select and QB and they go with the player with the highest upside in the class, Malik Willis. The Liberty QB will need a year to learn the nuances of NFL defenses and adjust to the NFL speed. However, he will most likely be forced into action early given the state of the Panthers. It will be bumpy at first but if they stick with him, he could turn out to be another Kyler Murray.
   
   
   
7. New York Giants: Trayvon Walker, EDGE, Georgia: Walker has been flying up mock draft boards and is even rumored to be in consideration for the first overall pick. It is widely rumored the Giants are in love with Purdue’s edge rusher Karlaftis, but they may be pleasantly surprised that Walker is still on the board at #7 and go with the higher Walker and his higher potential. He wasn’t awfully productive at Georgia, but he after running a 4.51 40 at 6’5″, 272lbs, he has the elite size and athleticism that coaches dream about. He will need some coaching to reach his full potential but as a 21 year old true junior, he has plenty of room to grow.
   
   
   
8. Atlanta Falcons: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State: The Falcons need to replace the suspended Calvin Ridley and outside of taking an edge rusher, they will likely take the consensus #1 receiver on the board, Garrett Wilson. They are probably salivating at the thought of Walker falling to them at #8. However, Mariota will need someone else to throw to other than Kyle Pitts and Wilson has all the potential to be just as good as, or even better, than Calvin Ridley.
   
   
   
9. Seattle Seahawks: Ikem Okwanu, OT, NC State: The Seahawks are in rebuild mode after trading away Russell Wilson for this 9th overall pick as well as a bounty of other picks between this year and next. Right now, the Seahawks have basically no one at either tackle position with much experience so luckily for them, Okwanu falls right into their laps here at #9. The Wolfpack have put out some good NFL offensive lineman as of late and Okwanu may be the best of the bunch.
   
   
   
10. New York Jets: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame: The Jets end Hamilton’s draft night slide and suddenly have a terrifying pair of DBs in Stingley and Hamilton. Kyle Hamilton was widely considered to be the best prospect in this draft before he ran a 4.59 40 at the combine. Suddenly, people are starting to question if he’s even a safety and if he is more of a dime linebacker. I don’t buy it and neither do the Jets. Robert Saleh’s master plan is starting to finally come together.
    
    
    
11. Washington Commanders: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State: The Commanders will be bashed by all the mock drafters out there but this pick has been clear and obvious from the moment they traded for Carson Wentz. Further, we have heard Rivera talk about the need for ‘more playmakers’ on this offense and said in an interview that he was excited about how one player ‘hustled back to the huddle after each play at his pro day’. Rivera went to two pro days: Cincinnati’s and Ohio State’s. He was seen talking with two players, Cincinnati’s ILB Darrian Beaves and Ohio State’s WR Chris Olave. Using process of elimination, only one of those is a offensive playmaker (granted, Beavers is an exciting defensive playmaker in his own right). Could it be that obvious? They were rumored to really like Jamin Davis last year…
    Olave is an exciting player and will start right away across from McLaurin. He will give this offense it’s much needed #2 receiver that it hasn’t had since the D-Jax/ Garcon days. It will be interesting to see if Scott Turner can put it all together since his track record so far has been below average, at best. However, you know Wentz is going to let it rip with Scary Terry and Big Play Olave on either side. Mix in a healthy Curtis Samuel hopefully becoming the playmaker we signed him to be, Logan Thomas getting healthy and becoming the red zone threat he was in 2020, and Antonio Gibson holding onto the football and continuing to be a top RB in this league, this new look Commanders offense might just take off in 2022.
    
    
    
12. Minnesota Vikings: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia: The vikes have been had some good 1st round draft picks the past few years, taking Christian Darrisaw in 2020 and Justin Jefferson in 2019. This year is no different. The select arguably the scariest player in the draft and put everyone in the NFC North on notice that running up the middle will not happen in Minnesota anymore.
    
    
13. Houston Texans: Charles Cross, OT, Miss St: The Texans have made it known that they are happy with Davis Mills and want to rebuild around him. They have been rumored to like Charles Cross at 3 overall so they will be ecstatic he is there at #13. They use one of the many picks they received from the Browns in the Watson deal to select Charles Cross who should start at LT immediately for the rebuilding Texans.
    
    
    
14. Baltimore Ravens: Jermiane Johnson, EDGE, Florida State: The Ravens hit it out of the park last year drafting edge rusher Odafe Oweh who made an instant impact on that revamped Ravens defense. Jermaine Johnson had an excellent senior bowl week and could easily be one of the best edge rushers in this class once it’s all said and done. He could be a 5-tech or an OLB for the Ravens given his size and athleticism, making him that much more value here at #14.
    
    
    
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Andrew Booth, CB, Clemson: The Eagles traded away one of their first round picks this year so they clearly don’t see a lot of value in the middle part of this first round. Darius Slay played well ever since signing with the Eagles last off-season but the rest of that secondary is ugly. Booth is arguably the best ball-hawking corners in this draft and should be there, according to numerous mock drafts, and this is an selection makes plenty of sense for the Eagles. He starts right away across from Slay.
    
    
    
16. New Orleans Saints: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh: The Saints traded their 1st round pick in next years draft for this pick. It appears they may be acquiring picks to make a big move into the top 5 or 10 to select a QB. However, if they stay put here at #16, it wouldn’t make a lot of sense if they did all that maneuvering just to take a WR or an offensive lineman here. Pickett was the best QB in College football not named Bryce Young last year. His hand size has raised some concerns about him playing in inclement weather but since the Saints play in a dome, that should not concern them one bit. Pickett will have the opportunity to learn behind Jameis Winston for a year, just so long as Winston’s knee holds up.
    
    
    
17. Los Angeles Chargers: Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia: The Chargers have made some moves this off-season, bringing in JC Jackson and Khalil Mack to help that defense. They have been rumored to be infatuated with Jordan Davis but since he’s gone already, the stick to the plan and continue to add to that defense by selecting Devonte Wyatt, who dominated the senior bowl. He isn’t the household name that Jordan Davis is, but given his pass rushing prowess, he might end up becoming a bigger game wrecker than his old teammate. Some scouts are even comparing him to Aaron Donald. He helps fill a need for the Chargers and is one of the best players available at this point of the draft.
    
    
    
18. Philadelphia Eagles: Devin Lloyd, ILB, Utah: The Eagles use their second pick in the 1st round on Utah middle linebacker Devin Lloyd. Lloyd is great against the pass and is the tone setter that the Eagles could use in the middle of the defense. His 4.7 40 time scared some scouts but if his game speed is anything like he showed on the tape, he should be just fine at the NFL level.
    
    
    
19. New Orleans Saints: Drake London, WR, USC: With the Saints selecting their QB of the future a few picks before, they will likely go ahead select their WR of the future here with USC’s Drake London. London’s pro comparison is Michael Thomas so it makes sense the Saints know exactly how to use him. I’m not a big fan of London’s tape and his lack of separation but USC has churned out some good WRs as of late (Michael Pittman/ St-Brown) and he is supposedly better than all of them.
    
    
    
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa: The Steelers will hope Pickett fall to them at #20 and will likely even attempt to trade up. However, if they miss out on both, I expect them to take one of the best offensive lineman in this draft, Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum. Centers are not one of those high value positions most teams take in the first round, but Linderbaum isn’t your average center. He could (and should) be an all-pro before long and be the first step in helping turn around that putrid Steelers offensive line.
    
    
    
21. New England Patriots: Zion Johnson, IOL, Boston College: Though they played admirably last year, the Patriots need some help along that offensive line, especially if they want to be the two tight end, run-heavy team Belichick wants. Johnson is from right around the corner at BC and is a classic mauler. Perfect fit.
    
    
    
22. Green Bay Packers: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama: The Packers need a Devonte Adams replacement after trading him away and Jameson Williams is rumored to be that guy for the Pack. He was downright unstoppable in college football before he tore his ACL. Obviously, he doesn’t help them now since he’s still recovering from his ACL surgery so Burks or Dotson could be the pick here instead. However, I see the Packers front office going for the upside play here. Plus, he might be back the second half of the year, just in time for the Packers playoff run.
    
    
    
23. Arizona Cardinals: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue: The Cardinals were the team to beat there for a bit last season before falling apart late and losing in the wild card round. I could see them going WR here to replace Christian Kirk but they need some help rushing the passer. Karlaftis is a clone of Ryan Kerrigan and should fit in well across from JJ Watt.
    
    
    
24. Dallas Cowboys: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa: Similar to the Cardinals pick, this pick could also be a receiver to replace the departure of Amari Cooper. However, Trevor Penning being a top 12 player in this draft and he is too much value here to pass up. The cowboys lost La’el Collins to free agency so it makes sense that they would bring in a replacement. Penning is 6’7″ and a mean, nasty offensive lineman who wants to quite literally wants to beat you up (he showed as much at the senior bowl, fighting basically everyone). He’ll be a fan favorite in no time.
    
    
    
25. Buffalo Bills: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington: The Bills had the best pass defense in football last year even though their cornerbacks (outside of White) were suspect at best. They’ll gladly stop McDuffie’s fall here at #25. McDuffie is a heck of a talent and could play nickel corner or outside.
    
    
    
26. Tennessee Titans: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas: The Titans could be in play for a QB here given how poorly Tannehill looked in the playoffs. However, they need a receiver on the other side of AJ Brown to take some pressure off of him. Julio was supposed to be that guy but that clearly hasn’t worked out so far. Burks is basically a clone of AJ Brown so the Titans should know exactly how to get the most out of him.
    
    
    
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida: The Bucs had the best passing offenses in football last year but the 20th ranked passing defense. Elam was an underrated playmaker for the Gators last year and should quickly become the best corner on that Buccaneers defense.
    
    
    
28. Green Bay Packers: Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota: As much as I wanted to select another WR here since Williams might not be healthy for most of the season, Mafe makes too much sense. This draft class is loaded with edge rushers and Mafe might be the most slept on one in the class. He stood out his senior year, leading the Gophers with 7 sacks and 10 TFLs. However, his 4.53 40 and 125″ broad jump at the combine is what finally got GMs talking. His pro comparison? Preston Smith -the same edge rusher they just gave a contract extension to. Factor that into him playing college ball right down the road from Green Bay and The Packers should know plenty about him.
    
    
    
29. Kansas City Chiefs: Kenyon Green, Guard, Texas A&M: With all these QBs still on the board, this could be a spot where KC trades down. However, if they stay here, I can see them taking Kenyon Green to beef up that offensive line to protect Mahomes. Green has been rumored to go as high as #11 to the Commanders so this is excellent value here at pick #29. He should start immediately right next to the their big 2nd year center Creed Humphrey.
    
    
    
30. Kansas City Chiefs: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State: Again, this could be a spot where KC trades back with a QB needy team but if they keep both of their picks, I guarantee one of them will be WR. Dotson is burner and Andy Reid/ Mahomes love burners.
    
    
    
31. Cincinnati Bengals: Nakobe Dean, MLB, Georgia: The Super Bowl runners-up could look to add to that poor offensive line here. However, I imagine they would be ecstatic if the captain of the 2021 NCAA National Champions falls right into their laps at #31. The Bengals defense played well in the playoffs last year but they could use a tone-setter in the middle to take them to the next level. Dean may not have the ideal size and speed you look, but he has all the instincts and tenacity to make up for it.
    
    
    
32. Detroit Lions: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati: The Lions hold the last pick in the 1st round as part of the Matt Stafford deal. Therefore, it is only fitting they use it to select a potential QB of the future. Dan Campbell is sticking by Jared Goff (for now) but it’s apparent he cannot start for them past this 2022 season if they ever want to be a contender. Ridder is the third winningest QB in college football history and led the Bearcats to their first ever College Football Playoff game (the first time a non-power-5 conference team has made it and possibly the last). Like the rest of the QBs in this class, Ridder will need a year or two to get comfortable in the NFL so he will benefit from sitting behind Goff. However, he is infinitely more mobile than Goff so I can see him being used in short yardage/ read-option situations similar to how Mariota spelled Derek Carr this past year.
    
    

• The Skins Skinny Final Mock Draft
• 2023 NFL Draft Offense Player Rankings
• Welcome to DC Jahan Dotson!
• Mid-Late Round Draft Gems 2022
• Ranking the Top 2022 NFL Draft Prospects at Each Position

All signs are pointing to the Commanders selecting a wide receiver with their 11^th overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft and for good reason. Outside of Terry McLaurin, Washingtons receivers have been nothing short of putrid. Ever since Terry was drafted in 2019, the next best wide across from him has been either 2019 Cam Sims with his 477 yards or 2020 Adam Humphries with his 383 yards. Yikes. The gameplan for opposing defensive coordinators has been simple: take out Terry and Washington has no one to throw to.

Curtis Samuel signed a big 3-year deal last off-season and was supposed to be that true #2 receiver who would take the pressure off McLaurin. However, a strange groin injury lingered all season long and kept him off the field leading everyone to wonder if he’ll even be healthy in 2022. The Commanders also selected UNC’s WR and speedster Dyami Brown in the 3^rd round last year. However, he failed to win that #2 role even as Cam Sims was in and out of the lineup and Curtis Samuel was nowhere to be found. The jury is still out on whether Brown can be our #3 or #4 receiver but you have to imagine Rivera is going to do everything he can to make sure we do not end up with no true #2 receiver for the 3^rd straight year.

Luckily for the Commanders, there is plenty of help in this year’s draft class. This WR class is arguably the best and deepest position in the draft.  Similar to last year, there may be a dozen receivers that could start for the Commanders week 1. Here are the top 10:

1. Chris Olave, OSU (1^st Rounder): There is so much to like about Chris Olave. Olave stands 6’1”, weighed 188lbs at the combine and now owns all the receiving records in Ohio State history. He is an excellent route-runner, likely the best in the class. He has incredible burst and acceleration and he had no problem in creating separation against everyone he faced. He has track-star speed (4.39 40 time) and made a habit of catching the deep ball which earned him the nicknamed him “Big Play Olave”. He is phenomenal in the over-the-shoulder catches, tracking ball perfectly at full speed. I liked how even though he isn’t the biggest WR, he was never afraid to stick his nose in there when blocking on screens or for runs. He would’ve been a 1st round pick last year but he decided to come back for his senior season to try and win a National Championship (another plus in my book). I saw someone comparing him to Emmanuel Saunders and while I like that comparison, I see more Terry McLaurin 2.0 or Devonta Smith. The biggest critique I could find was he doesn’t break a lot of tackles after the catch and goes down pretty easily on contact. His small frame may also get him in trouble in the NFL against bigger, stronger corners. However, if he is able to stay healthy, I have no doubt that Olave will be Pro Bowler in no time.
   
   
2. Garrett Wilson, OSU (1^st Rounder): Wilson and Olave are basically 1a and 1b in this draft class and, sadly, their careers will be unfairly be linked together for the rest of time. A majority of scouts believe Wilson is the better player, judging by the mock drafts I see. Standing 6’0” and weighing 183lbs, there is also plenty to like about Wilson. Like Olave, he has home run speed (running a 4.38 40 at the combine) and is a threat to take it to the house on any given play. Wilson isn’t quite as good of a route-runner as Olave, but he was still able to create plenty of separation with his speed. Unlike Olave, Wilson is a little savvier when catching balls over the middle and making a big play after the catch. Essentially, Wilson seems like he plays with more aggression than Olave which could in turn lead him to having more success than Olave in the long run. However, it could lead to him taking more hits and getting injured as well. Given his smaller frame, CBs at the next level will try and body him up so he will need to work on his release and clean up his route-running but I have no doubt he will become an impact player for whoever drafts him.
   
   
3. Treylon Burks, Arkansas: (1^st Rounder) Burks led the Razorbacks in receiving since he was a true freshman and finished this past year catching 66 passes for 1,104 yards and 11 TDs in just 12 games, setting a school record with six 100-yard games in a row. Burks is more of a prototypical WR than the two Buckeyes. He is 6’2”, weighs 225lbs and looks far bigger than that on film. Burks can do it all. He has a knack for high-pointing the football and making spectacular catches when a DB is draped over him but he can also stick his foot in the ground, stiff arm a linebacker, and take a slant 75 yards to the house like he did numerous times in the 2021 season. Burks reminds me a bit of Andre Johnson but with more speed. Burks will need to work on his route-running (which was pretty ugly at times) in order to reach his full potential but he is certainly worth a top 20 pick. With the right QB and the right system, he could be a star.
   
4. Jameson Williams, Alabama: (1^st rounder) Williams was the best WR in college football before he tore his ACL in Alabama’s loss to Georgia in the National Championship. Yet, all reports are Williams is ahead of schedule on his ACL rehab and all signs are pointing to him coming back as the same explosive player he was in 2021. Williams was essentially unstoppable at Alabama. He stands 6’2”, weighs 189lbs and is without a doubt the fastest player in this class. Many believe he is Desean Jackson 2.0 and I have a hard time disagreeing with that comparison. Speed kills and he has plenty of it. There are multiple clips of him being double teamed with a corner underneath and a safety over the top and he would still outrun both of them for an easy score. If a safety takes one misstep, just one, he’s gone. He has no problem creating separation with that elite straight-line speed but he will need to incorporate some kind of intermediate routes into his game in order to be a true #1 in the NFL. Heck, he might be worth a pick if he exclusively only returned kicks. Williams is an exciting prospect but the ACL tear and his rush back to the field concerns me. Still, I expect to hear his name called on day one and reports are the Chiefs are interested…
   
5. Jahan Dotson, Penn State: (1-2 rounds): Dotson stands 5’11”, weighs 178lbs and is yet another burner in this deep class. He ran a 4.43 40 at the combine and similar to Olave and Williams, much of Dotson’s highlights are him burning defenders and easily gliding into the endzone on long passes. This class is full of deep threats and Dotson is absolutely one of those players who can take it to the house on any given play. Even though he’s listed under 6’, I was impressed by the amount of jump balls he was able to win and sideline toe-taps he was able to secure. Dotson could easily end up being the best WR in this class if he goes to the right team with the right vertical offense. He’s a heck of a good return man as well. Dotson will need to work on his catches in traffic and his underneath routes, which he wasn’t asked to do much at Penn State. If he can improve there, some NFL team will be getting a steal. Early in the draft process, I thought Dotson would be a 2^nd round steal. Now, it rumors are he will be taken late in round one by a Super Bowl contender who just traded away their best WR (Chiefs/ Packers).
   
6. John Metchie, Alabama: (2^nd rounder): Metchie was a going to be a top 20 pick before he tore is ACL in the SEC championship game this last Fall. I can’t figure out why there is so much hype around Jamison Williams and not John Metchie considering they both tore their ACLs last year but Metchie tore his almost a month earlier. Metchie stands 5’11”, weighs 187lbs and is easily a better route runner than his teammate Jameson Williams and is arguably more of a threat with the ball in his hands than Chris Olave. Some of Metchie’s best plays were against the best DBs in this year’s draft such as the game-winning catch against Auburns McCreary in this year’s Iron Bowl in which he made McCreary loo. Metchie appears to be a polished route-runner and has great quickness getting in and out of his breaks. Metchie will need to polish up his drops a bit but if Metchie can return to full health, he could be easily be Devonta Smith 2.0 and a big-time steal for anyone selecting him in the second round.
   
7. Drake London, USC: (2^nd rounder): Drake London stands 6’4”, weighs 219lbs and has been anointed the next great WR to come from USC after the last two years produced Michael Pittman (Colts 2020) and Amon-Ra St-Brown (Lions 2021), both of whom have become the best WR for the teams that drafted them. London was a two-sport athlete at Southern California, playing basketball for USC one year before focusing fully on football. He is a big, strong receiver who dominated the PAC-12 with his ability to win almost all contested throws thrown his way. London has great body control for a player of his size and is by far the best receiver in this class at high-pointing the football and coming down with a 50/50 ball. He will not beat you with speed, but he’s no slowpoke either. He was used heavily in the Trojans offense and had a knack for making big plays after the catch. However, all that being said, Drake London scares me. He is the exact kind of player I have been wrong about before so I may be a bit jaded here. London’s stats were heavily padded by a USC offense that threw him the ball almost 70% of the time he was on the field. You could say that’s because he was their best player but c’mon, 70% of the passes thrown to one player is Madden stats. Further, he reminds me a lot of Josh Doctson and Laquon Treadwell but possibly slower than both of them. I fear that London will be exposed in the NFL by these elite, speedy corners and his lack of separation will force QBs (and coaches) to look in another direction which could frustrate him since he’s used to 70% of the targets. This could lead to him being nothing more than a one-trick pony and only catching 50/50 balls on fade routes or Hail Mary’s. There is a lot of hype around London lately with some analysts comparing him to Mike Evans and saying he will go in the top 10. I feel it would be better for him if he were to fall into the 2^nd or 3^rd round and hopefully use that tumble down draft boards as motivation for him to succeed similar to how it did with DK Metcaff. However, even so, if he can’t separate from DBs, he easily could be the biggest bust in this class and is nowhere near being a 1^st round selection.
   
8. Skyy Moore, Western Michigan (2^nd rounder): Sky Moore stands 5’10”, weighs 195lbs and is one of the most interesting prospects in this year’s class. Much like London, he was force-fed the football at Western Michigan which led to his 95 receptions, 1292 yard and 10 TDs. However, he excelled in a much different way. Time and time again on the film, Moore beats the CBs with precise routes and quick in-and-out-cuts which would leave the defense in the dust. He wasn’t considered a burner at school but after running a 4.41 at the combine, it appears his speed was greatly underestimated at college. I liked the toughness Moore played with as well. There are times when he got clobbered catching a pass over the middle but he bounced right up from the hit and fired up his teammates after getting a big first down. His hands are excellent; he catches everything – 50/50 balls, over the shoulder deep balls, diving out of the corner of the endzone, etc. I’ll admit, Moore did most of his damage against some not-so-great opponents in the MAC conference so it will be interesting to see how he fares against NFL competition. For instance, he was bottled up against Michigan (2 catches for 22 yards). Yet, if there is a Steve Smith 2.0 in this class, it’s Sky Moore. There were some rumors that Moore could be a late 1^st round pick after his combine performance but he will most likely go day 2.
   
9. George Pickens, Georgia: (2^nd rounder): Pickens may be one of the most slept-on prospects in this draft. He stands 6’3”, weighs 195lbs and has a knack for making spectacular plays. His film easily has some of the best catches out of anyone in the class. He doesn’t appear to have a ton of speed on film but he still seems to easily fly by corners vertically time and time again (4.47 40 at the combine – that’s plenty fast). He also has a little nastiness in him. On run plays, he likes to do this stutter-step- bull-rush to unsuspecting corners and send them tumbling backwards and out of the play. His biggest issue is his knee. He suffered an ACL tear in 2021 spring practice but rushed back to play in final four games last season to help the Bulldogs win the National Championship. You could tell the knee was still bothering him a bit when he returned. He didn’t have the same burst that he had before his injury but he still was able to make some big plays including a diving 40-yard catch against Alabama in the playoffs. Before that knee injury, Pickens was well on his way to being a 1^st rounder. He has the size, the quickness, and can catch everything thrown his way. However, him rushing back from that knee injury concerns me. Honestly, I really like what I saw from Pickens highlight film and I applaud the toughness he showed by coming back that quickly. However, I do wonder if he’ll ever regain that burst and if this knee injury won’t linger. It will be interesting to see where Pickens goes but I like him going mid to late 2^nd round. If his knee isn’t right, give him a redshirt year, let him get back up to speed and he could be the gem of the class.
   
10. Calvin Austin III, Memphis: (2^nd-3^rd rounder): Calvin Austin III is one of my favorite players in this class. He stands 5’8”, weighs 170lbs and dominated the pre-draft process running a 4.32 40 as well as a 39” vertical jump, 135” broad and leading all WRs in the 3-cone drill and shuttle. He was expected to shine at the combine since Austin was an All-American track and field star at Memphis before he decided to walk-on to the football team. It took him a few years but he exploded his junior year, finishing the season with 1,053 receiving yards with 11 TDs (6^th in FBS) and finished 1^st-Team all AAC with 1,149 yards and 8 TDs his senior year. Austin’s film is fun. Memphis coaches did all sorts of things to get him the ball in space and he did the rest, easily burning his opponents for huge scores. He is a below average route-runner and definitely doesn’t possess the best hands. Even in his highlights, you can tell he’s not a very confident catcher of the football, awkwardly mistiming his jumps here and there and letting the ball hit his chest on slant routes. He will need to work on that at the next level but that is correctable with repetition. What really stuck out with me was just how dominant Austin III was at the senior bowl. It seemed he took the NFL coaching well because in he was downright uncoverable by his peers in Mobile. He made big play after big play and scouts took notice. He was one of the top performers at practice every single day. Given his size, Austin III projects as a slot receiver and kick returner at the next level which limits his usage a tad but every team could use a swiss army knife slot receiver who has game-breaking speed. If he’s as uncoverable in the NFL as he was in the Senior Bowl, he should be a star in no time.

Honorable mentions:

Christian Watson, NDSU (2^nd-3^rd rounder): Watson is another player who has dominated the pre-draft process. Many scouts see him as a project since seemed to have a drop problem at NDSU and didn’t run a whole lot of routes. However, him being 6’4” and running a 4.36 40 will make GMs overlook that. Watson didn’t play against anything close to NFL competition at North Dakota State but he dominated them to the tune of 18.6 yards per catch, 7.6 yards per rush and 8 total TDS last year. It will be a steep learning curve in the NFL given he mainly ran nothing but vertical routes at NDSU but if he is given time to develop, he could be a heck of a weapon for an NFL team. There are rumors he could even be selected at the end of the first round by the WR-needy Chiefs…

Khalil Shakir, Boise State (3-5^th rounder): Similar to Austin III, Shakir was another one of the players who dominated the senior bowl, finishing as one of the best players of the week. It’s interesting when I put on his tape, I can’t help but wonder why he is being overlooked? He stands 6’0” tall, weighs 196lbs, and finished the last season with 77 receptions for 1117 yards and 7 TDs at Boise State.  He may not have that elite quickness and stop-and-start that the top receivers in this class possess but he has great balance/ body control and was able to make defenders miss in the open field. He also looks very comfortable catching the ball over the middle in traffic and on deep throws. He will not win those 50/50 battles in the NFL as much as he did in college, though, and that might be an indication that he will not be able to separate as well in the pros, either. However, he seemed to prove the doubters wrong in the Senior Bowl and I can see him doing the same thing in the NFL.

Velus Jones Jr. Tennesse (4-6^th rounder): Jones is a kick return specialist who might have finally found his receiving prowess this past year at Tennessee. He stands 6’0”, weighs 204lbs and ran a 4.31 40 at the NFL combine. Jones led the Volunteers last year with 807 yards and 7 TDs and was dangerous every time the ball was in his hands. He is not a good route runner but has above average hands and is not afraid to take a hit. He should have no issue making the team as a kick returner or a gunner but he led the Volunteers last year with 807 yards and 7 TDs so do not sleep on him making the cut at receiver. Jones will be 25 his first season in the NFL which hurts his draft stock but if the Commanders miss out on their guy in the first few rounds, Jones Jr would a great low risk, high reward player we could select late.  Heck, maybe we select him day 3 even after selecting a receiver with our first-round pick given the lack of depth we have the WR position.

Conclusion: Given the depth of WRs in this draft, it’s hard for me to get excited about selecting one at pick 11. However, if Mayhew and Rivera think that’s the best way to go to get the most out of their new QB, I am okay with it. Ron Rivera appears to be smitten with Chris Olave, as he was seen smiling and chit-chatting with him towards the end of the Ohio State pro day. I would bet the house Chris Olave will be starting across from Terry next season, with a third Ohio State Buckeye Curtis Samuel starting at slot.

However, rumors around the league are both Ohio State prospects are going to go ‘earlier than people may think’ but I imagine that simply means the word is out that the Commanders will be selecting one (Olave) at #11. Wilson is odds-on favorite to be the first WR selected in this year’s draft so he could easily go to the Jets at #10 or possibly the Falcons at #8. It’s unlikely both Olave and Wilson are selected before our pick, but if they are, I wonder if Mayhew and Rivera will stick to the plan and go best WR available (Burks or Willaims) or would they take a blue chip defender who fell to #11 (such as LSU’s CB Derek Stingley or Notre Dame’s SS Kyle Hamilton) and address WR in the 2^nd round? I would hope they would do the latter and select the best player available at #11 and address WR later. We will find out in a few weeks.