The board will dictate the Washington Commanders' first pick, but given their choice coach Ron Rivera may go defense once more.
Hello, Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton.
It's a long path to Hamilton. The Commanders have been eyeing receivers, certainly as a complement and depth behind Terry McLaurin. But, Curtis Samuel will be healthy after a lost 2021 season and the draft has plenty of receivers after No. 11.
Washington wouldn't mind another cornerback, especially with both starters possible salary cap cuts next year. The Commanders still need an inside linebacker after last year's first-rounder Jamin Davis underperformed, but Rivera won't risk backlash on another middle linebacker.
A run on pass rushers and offensive tackles will dominate the opening handful of picks before Carolina likely takes Liberty quarterback Malik Willis at No. 6. Then it gets interesting, as Washington can taste several playmakers before watching them chosen.
The New York Giants may take LSU cornerback Derek Stingley (unless Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad Gardner is available) with the seventh pick. Atlanta is going either quarterback or offensive line at eight. Seattle wants Florida State defensive end Jermaine Johnson at nine.
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And now Washington is holding its breath as the New York Jets pick at No. 10. They could choose Ohio State receiver Garrett Wilson or Alabama receiver Jameson Williams, leaving the other to the Commanders. Williams is still recovering from a knee injury in the national championship game and picking him 11th overall is too risky for Washington. Wilson is a baller, but the bottom line is Washington can still find a receiver deeper in the draft. After all, McLaurin was a third-rounder.
So, Washington has two choices – trade down or take Hamilton. Moving down for more picks is enticing, but Rivera is on Year 3 after two losing ones and growing prospects is secondary to winning now. That means keeping the pick as Rivera has throughout his career and sticking to what he knows – defense.
While the offense needs more playmakers for incoming quarterback Carson Wentz, the underperforming defense last season needs help, especially in the middle. The line should regroup with the return of injured ends Chase Young and Montez Sweat. The secondary can improve with cornerback William Jackson better knowing the system and hopefully coaches adapting to the corner.
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But there's a gaping hole in the middle. Washington hasn't stopped tight ends in years and opponents exploited that weakness regularly. When Washington finally moved safety Landon Collins into a more physical hybrid role last season, the defense was better.
That's what Hamilton can do. It's not a sexy position, but it's vital. So, this choice is both need driven and perhaps best player on the board. Hopefully, owner Dan Snyder stays out of the draft room and lets his staff make the pick. And, they better be right because yet another failed receiver is something this team can't survive anymore.