The views and opinions expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of the team.
In anticipation of the 2022 NFL Draft, which will be held April 28 - 30 in Las Vegas, here's a compilation of various league experts' predictions about what the Washington Commanders will do with the No. 11 overall pick. Check back weekly until the draft for more updates.
Expert: Trevor Sikkema, Pro Football Focus
Selection: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa (March 15)
Analysis: Though a bit undersized, Linderbaum is one of the best players in this draft. His home base is at center, and that's where his traits project best. However, he can be a versatile interior player who can be a quick impactful starter.
Expert: Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports
Selection: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State (March 15)
Analysis: Wilson, meanwhile, is one of the the most dynamic players in college football and his game in many ways reminds us of Odell Beckham Jr.
Expert: Mike Mulhern, Yahoo Sports
Selection: Drake London, WR, USC (March 15)
Analysis: London gives him a big body opposite Terry McLaurin. That duo that should produce plenty of big plays in the passing game.
Expert: Zack Patraw, Sports Illustrated
Selection: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati (March 14)
Analysis: He is a big, physical, and an extremely talented cover cornerback. Can play man or zone coverage and his skill is the same, so the scheme doesn't matter with this player. Can lock down an entire side of the field just by being in the vicinity. He has long arms and is great at using them to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage.
Expert: Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports
Selection: Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss (March 14)
Analysis: "Here, they grab Matt Corral, who projects as the long-term solution at the most important position in team sports. Corral can launch accurately placed throws from every platform and has a ton of athleticism if the play breaks down."
Expert: Todd McShay, ESPN
Selection: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah (March 9)
Analysis: Lloyd's sideline-to-sideline range and versatility can help Washington in a bunch of areas. Lloyd filled the stat sheet with impact numbers in all facets of the game, registering 96 tackles, 8.0 sacks, 20 tackles for loss, 4 interceptions and 7 passes broken up last year.
Expert: Nate Davis, USA Today
Selection: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh (March 8)
Analysis: Assuming Washington has to resort to the draft if it can't obtain a proven veteran, Pickett might be the most game-ready passer able to quickly elevate a roster that might otherwise be playoff caliber. A four-year starter, Pickett has poise, accuracy, a quick release, production and solid athleticism – perhaps enough NFL traits to help guide this team back atop the NFC East in short order.
Expert: Brad Spielberger, Pro Football Focus
Selection: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh (March 8)
Analysis: Pickett's 92.2 grade was the second-best mark out of 291 quarterbacks in 2021, and his stock continues to rise because he is apparently impressive in team interviews.
Expert: Dane Brugler, The Athletic
Selection: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh (March 8)
Analysis: Washington will continue to explore quarterback trade options around the league, but if it strikes out and doesn't address the position in free agency, this pick is where we might see the first quarterback off the board. Pickett would help the Commanders win games right away.
Expert: Matt De Lima, Sports Illustrated
Selection: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati (March 7)
Analysis: I wouldn't be surprised if Ridder was the first quarterback off the board. In this copycat league, last season may have some teams thinking that the pro-ready quarterback is the most viable option. I think Ridder is neck-and-neck with Pickett, and I may give the edge to Ridder given what scouts and people behind the scenes have been saying about his character and personality.
Expert: Ian Cummings, Pro Football Network
Selection: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh (March 7)
Analysis: His arm, while not elite, is good, and it's elastic enough to help him generate velocity off-platform. He's also a great athlete and proved as such at the Combine. He's a leader, a tough competitor, and a sturdy processor with eye manipulation in his toolbox. To me, Pickett can become a Derek Carr-type of QB fairly early in his career. If you're Washington and you can get him on a rookie deal, you take that swing.
Expert: Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News
Selection: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty (March 6)
Analysis: Ron Rivera succeeded when he attached himself to another former Auburn quarterback, Cam Newton, more than a decade ago with the Panthers. Willis is another big-armed and athletic passer in a more compact but Russell Wilson-like well-built package. Willis stood out as the best QB at the Senior Bowl, showing his small-school transfer only raised his massive game. He will fit well in Scott Turner's offense.
Expert: Josh Edwards, CBS Sports
Selection: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty (March 5)
Analysis: The theory of supply and demand is quite simple: when the demand for a talent exceeds the supply, prices are driven up. As a result of fewer quarterbacks being available via trade, that is going to lead more teams, including Washington, to use an early draft selection on the position.
Expert: Oliver Hodgkinson, Pro Football Network
Selection: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty (March 5)
Analysis: The theory of supply and demand is quite simple: when the demand for a talent exceeds the supply, prices are driven up. As a result of fewer quarterbacks being available via trade, that is going to lead more teams, including Washington, to use an early draft selection on the position.
Expert: Brad Weiss, FanSided
Selection: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh (March 4)
Analysis: The Washington Commanders are entering a new era of football, and they may decide to turn the page on the quarterback position. One player to keep an eye on this week is Kenny Pickett, who had an outstanding career at Pitt and should be one of the top quarterbacks taken in this year's draft.
