By this time next week, we'll know who Washington took at #11 barring a trade back. So here's a look at the most likely six candidates that fit the bill.
It's pretty much the same list I've been floating around in my head for about a week now, but I figured I would use Matt's Tweet since he put it out there before I did. I really don't think Wilson and Gardner will still be on the board at #11. Hamilton is a 50/50 depending on what Houston and the Jets do prior to Washington's pick. I don't see Hamilton getting past #13 if he falls however. Stingley seems to be the BPA choice if everybody is off the board. I say this because I just don't see Washington going OL, DL or QB here.
Obviously, a trade back would probably be the best option. Washington is missing their 3rd, 5th and most likely their 2023 2nd round pick. To move back and regain some of those picks would be an ideal situation. If that doesn't happen though I see either Hamilton, London or Olave as the most likely options to be selected by the front office.
Personally, I would go with Hamilton if he's there. The reasons are simple. Hamilton is considered a top 5 prospect with some saying he's the best player in the draft. The team needs a replacement at the Buffalo Nickle position after the release of Landon Collins when they run their 4-2-5, which seems to have become Washington's base formation. Hamilton could also rotate as a SS or FS when needed as well. While McCain and Curl have seemed to have jelled at the end of the 2021 season, Washington could continue to bolster the secondary with the addition of Hamilton.
I wouldn't be upset in the least if London or Olave were to be taken at #11. I have some concerns about both however and with the WR class being so deep, I wonder if the team could trade back and still get talent of a similar/slightly lesser caliber later in the 1st round or in the 2nd round. You could also argue the same with Hamilton as Penn St.'s Jaquan Brisker or Baylor's Jalen Pitre could also fit a Viper or Buffalo Nickle role as well in the Jack Del Rio scheme.
It's a toss up for fans though. I ran a poll on Twitter of who they wanted at #11 if there was no trade back and the results weren't that surprising:
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I do expect Washington to try and trade back. Maybe they'll do a trade with Pittsburgh if Willis is still on the board or a trade with the Chargers for a defensive player. Hard to tell. We know Ron really likes the OSU WRs in Wilson and Olave and I can see why. They, much like Terry McLaurin, have great separation skills and route running. Why it probably wouldn't be my pick at #11, I wouldn't be in the least surprised if Ron pulls the trigger for Chris Olave.
The Position Few Are Discussing That Should be Addressed in the Draft
One of the main reasons wide receiver is a big topic in the Burgundy and Gold's fanbase is because fans want to see Carson Wentz given as much opportunity to succeed (or fail) in 2022. The explanation is simple, the team needs to know if they made the right choice in Wentz and should keep him under contract through the 2024 season. If the answer is no, then 2023 does offer a potentially good QB class to try to choose a replacement.
Wide receiver is important as there really isn't a currently established compliment to Terry McLaurin on the roster and who knows if Curtis Samuel will be healthy and can contribute. That said, there are some concerns at the tight end position. Logan Thomas is coming off a late season ACL injury. Will he be able to be ready by the start of the season? If so, will he be back at the form that made him a success here in DC? John Bates had an impressive rookie season, but is more of a traditional blocking TE who can go out for passes. Sammis Reyes is still an unknown factor. We saw him a little last season, but he was mostly on special teams with only playing in 5% of the offensive snaps.
Carson Wentz has had a good deal of success with pass catching TEs with the Eagles and Colts. It might not be a bad idea to consider drafting one in either day 2 or day 3 of the draft. The good news, according to Burgundy Burner is that the team has met with quite a few TEs during the draft process. Here's a link to every player the team met with prior to the draft and when they met with them.
My Seven Round Mock Simulation
Finally, I'll end with a simulation that I did on Pro Football Network's mock draft simulator. Is it realistic? I doubt it as I don't see Drake London getting out of the top 20 but here it goes:
Notes:
- Got Arizona's 2nd round 2023 pick along with #23 and #55 in the trade for #11.
- Lost 2023 7th and #240 in trade with the Chargers for #254 and #255.
- Here's a link to the thread I did on this mock on Twitter. It goes into more detail on why I made the trades, what I was looking for and how I addressed needs.
If I have time this weekend, I might try and do a few Meaningless Mock Drafts with my 1st round attempt and another 7 round Washington Mock.
Love it? Hate it? Let me know your thoughts below or drop me a line on Twitter @HmBrewer72.
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Maybe Snyder should take your advice!
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