The 2022 NFL Draft is just 9 days away. I saw an opportunity on The Athletic to submit a 7-round mock draft for the Washington Commanders via Ben Standing, and I figured I’d extend that and publish my mock draft online…
The Commanders own 6 picks in the NFL draft, a first (#11), a second (#47), a fourth (#113), a sixth (#189) and two sevenths (#230 and #240). Without further ado, I will dive into my ideal mock draft for the 2022 NFL Draft.
Round 1, #11: Drake London, WR, USC |6’5| 219 Lbs. | 20 Years Old | 2021 Season Stats: 8 GP, 88 Rec, 1,084 yards, 7 TDS, (12.3 AVG YPR), 8 Drops |
London is a true wide receiver #1 with extreme upside as a red zone threat. Although London does have issues with drops, (8 drops) and needs to polish his route running, he has the size, athleticism, and ball skills to be a real weapon at the next level. Dane Brugler (The Athletic) ranked him as the #3 wide receiver in the loaded 2022 draft class, and many other analysts have him ranked as the #1 wide receiver. Although there are reservations about the Carson Wentz trade, the Commanders need to build a stable offense surrounding him and give Wentz the best opportunities for success. Just imagine McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, Logan Thomas, and Drake London: That would be the most weapons Wentz has had to work with in his NFL career!
Round 2, #47: Christian Harris, LB, Alabama | 6’2| 232 Lbs. | 21 Years Old |
2021 Season Stats: 15 GP, 79 TOT, 12.5 TFL, 5.5 Sack, 2 FF, 3 PD |
Honestly, I am a big fan of Linebacker, Chad Muma (Wyoming) but I cannot vision Muma dropping to #47 in the second round. I think Christian Harris is very underrated due to his smaller size and poor reading ability. Don’t you forget, Harris was a 3-year starter at Alabama who posted a 4.44 40-yard dash time. Harris is a freak athlete who carries the experience and coachable attitude that proves to be beneficial to an NFL defense. To me, Harris seems like a high floor type of prospect who could take some pressure off Jamin Davis’s (Commander’s 1st round selection last season) development. Why not add another Alabama stud to our defense!
Round 4, #113: Marquis Hayes, G, Oklahoma |6’5| 318 Lbs. | 23 Years Old |
2021 Season Stats: 13 GP; Second Team All-Big 12 |
Hayes is the #6 ranked offensive guard on Dane Brugler’s (The Athletic) list. Hayes could very well end up falling to the 4th round, although many mock drafts have him being selected late in the third. Hayes could polish his technique and pad level, but has the natural instincts, strength, and fluidity to be an efficient NFL starter. Hayes would add depth to the Commanders offensive line, as well as even fight for a starting role as early as his rookie season in Washington.
Round 6, #189: Abram Smith, RB, Baylor |5’11| 213 Lbs. | 23 Years Old |
2021 Season Stats: 14 GP, 257 Car, 1,647 Yards 13 TDS (6.2 AVG YPC), 14 Rec, 75 Yards |
Abram Smith led the big 12 in rushing yards (1,647) in 2021. Smith is a great athlete and would work tremendously well with Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic in the Commanders back field. Smith is a polished and quick back with amazing feel for lane development. Smith offers versatility on special teams and could even on the defensive side of the ball, due to his history as a linebacker at Baylor. Baylor’s head coach, Dave Aranda is very high on Abram’s attitude and drive, and I am confident that Rivera could compliment his strengths as a Commander next season!
Round 7, #230: Jordan Jackson, DL, Air Force |6’5| 294 Lbs. | 24 Years Old |
2021 Season Stats: 13 GP, 41 TOT, 12.5 TFL, 7.5 Sack, 1 FF, 1 PD |
Jordan Jackson is ranked the #22 defensive lineman on Brugler’s list and is projected to be a priority free agent. I am a big fan of Jordan Jackson due to his length, and initial quickness. Jackson ran a 4.95 40-yard dash at his pro day and was a very productive member of the Falcons in his time. Although Jackson has issues with direction and is on the older side, I think Jackson could add value and depth to the Commanders’ defensive line after the departure of Matt Ioannidis to Carolina and Tim Settle to Buffalo.
Round 7, #240: EJ Perry, QB, Brown |6’2| 211 Lbs. | 23 Years Old |
2021 Season Stats: 10 GP, 295-444, (66.4 CP%), 3,033 Yards, 23 TDS, 14 Ints; 111 Car, 402 Yards, 7 TDS|
EJ Perry was a two-year starter at Brown and was the Ivy League offensive player of the year in 2021. Perry has just average arm strength and inconsistent post-snap decision making, but also contains the intangibles and athleticism that could earn him a back-up role on an NFL team. I love Perry as a late round selection for Washington, who could benefit the quarterback room in a positive manner through his positive attitude, grit, and leadership ability. Perry could work well as a backup under Wentz, and potentially (long shot) develop into a respectable NFL quarterback!
Thank you for reading and I hope everyone enjoys the NFL Draft! I am super pumped and would be extremely excited if Washington drafted these players! Hope y’all enjoyed!