Early mock drafts had the Washington Commanders going quarterback with the No. 11 overall pick. Washington was so desperate for a franchise passer — even in a weak quarterback class — that projecting one to the Commanders at No. 11 was an easy call.
Now that Washington has Carson Wentz under center, the Commanders taking a quarterback at No. 11 appears doubtful. Sure, Wentz may not be Washington’s long-term solution, but the thought behind trading for him was that he would be the franchise’s quarterback beyond 2022.
The newest mock drafts now have Washington all over the place. Some think the Commanders will go with a wideout for Wentz; others can see Washington taking a linebacker or an offensive lineman. Yes, some even believe the Commanders could take a quarterback.
Another position Washington could look at in the first round is cornerback. In Mel Kiper’s new mock draft, he has the Commanders taking LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. at No. 11 overall.
Circle April 6 on your calendar. That’s when scouts will get the chance to see Stingley on the field for the first time since he injured his foot in September. He had surgery on the Lisfranc injury and didn’t work out at the combine. It’s a crucial day for a corner once viewed as a potential No. 1 overall pick. As a true freshman in 2019, he was one of LSU’s best players on the way to its national title. Stingley has played in just 10 games over the past two seasons and has some inconsistent tape. I’m still betting on his upside, but he could drop if he doesn’t test well.
Washington had major injury issues at corner last season, and it could upgrade its unit with Stingley. I also thought about a receiver to partner with Terry McLaurin for new quarterback Carson Wentz.
One year ago, the thought of Stingley dropping out of the top 10 was unimaginable. However, after an All-American freshman season on the LSU team that won the national championship, Stingley has battled injuries and inconsistencies, often going up against some of the best wide receivers in college football.
Stingley played 15 games and picked off six passes as a freshman in 2019 before playing only 10 games in the past two seasons.
If Stingley’s foot injury checks out, he has a chance to be a superstar in the NFL.
