Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Bryan Manning

Commanders pick up help at receiver and corner in new Todd McShay mock draft

The NFL combine is in the rearview mirror, pro days are winding down and top-30 visits are in full swing. For most NFL teams, we are beginning to better understand which positions individual teams are targeting in the first round.

The Washington Commanders need help at multiple positions. Washington could use help at wide receiver, linebacker, guard, cornerback and safety. Before the trade for Carson Wentz, the quarterback position would have been No. 1 on this list. However, after that trade, the Commanders are no longer in the market for a quarterback in the early rounds.

Todd McShay released his latest mock draft Tuesday and gives Washington’s offense the help it needs at No. 11 overall by selecting Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave.

Let’s get new Washington quarterback Carson Wentz a second high-end target beyond Terry McLaurin (who is potentially headed toward free agency next March). Olave is a smooth route runner with soft hands and excellent speed. Pairing him with McLaurin — his former Ohio State teammate — would immediately challenge NFC East defensive backs and open things up for Curtis Samuel out of the slot.

Olave and McLaurin would instantly transform Washington’s wide receiver group into one of the better in the NFC. A healthy Curtis Samuel would be a game-changer with his versatility.

McShay’s mock draft also included the second round. Did he have Washington landing an inside linebacker in round two? No, instead, McShay chose depth at corner with Auburn’s Roger McCreary.

Depth at cornerback behind William Jackson III and Kendall Fuller remains a concern for the Commanders, and McCreary excels in press-man coverage and has the ball skills to make big plays. He broke up 15 passes last season. But he will have to improve against the run, and some questions remain about his speed.

While not landing an inside linebacker early would be disappointing for Washington fans, adding Olave and McCreary would be a win for the Commanders.

 

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.