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5 takeaways from Commanders’ top 30 visits ahead of 2022 NFL draft

bryan manning
·4 min read

The pre-draft process ahead of the NFL draft features plenty of smoke and mirrors. Teams meet with draft prospects at the Senior Bowl, NFL combine and can invite up to 30 players to the team’s facility ahead of the draft.

However, when the draft process is over, we often look back and see some of these visits mean nothing. Of course, that doesn’t mean a team wasn’t interested, but perhaps some of that interest was due to hiding their intentions from the other 31 NFL teams.

The Senior Bowl and the combine are in the rearview mirror. We are just over two weeks away from the 2022 NFL draft and top-30 visits are underway.

We’ve covered some of the players the Washington Commanders are bringing in for top-30 visits. Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave and Alabama wide receiver John Metchie are among Washington’s pre-draft visits.

What does that mean?

Here are five takeaways from the Commanders’ current list of top-30 visits.

Commanders intent on adding a running back

Iowa State junior running back Breece Hall. Syndication: The Des Moines Register

Here are the running backs Washington has invited for top-30 visits:

  • Kenneth Walker III, Michigan State

  • Breece Hall, Iowa State

  • Tyrion Davis-Price, LSU

Walker and Hall are considered the top two running backs in the draft. It’s doubtful Washington spends either of its top two picks on a running back with so many other needs and Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic already on the roster.

However, the Commanders could look to add a running back on day three, or if they trade back and add more selections. Davis-Price is an interesting prospect because he’s talented but didn’t play a lot his first two years at LSU. He could be one to watch.

Wide receiver will be addressed high in the NFL draft

Nov 27, 2021; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver John Metchie III (8). Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

Here are the wide receivers Washington has brought in for visits:

  • Chris Olave, Ohio State

  • John Metchie III, Alabama

We know Washington has some interest in Olave and/or teammate Garrett Wilson. Both players are expected to be gone among the top 20 picks. John Metchie III is coming off an ACL tear but should still go on day two.

It’s almost a certainty one of Washington’s first two picks will be a wide receiver.

Offensive line is a priority

Penn State offensive lineman Rasheed Walker (53). (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)

The Commanders are bringing several offensive linemen to Washington on top-30 visits:

  • Rasheed Walker, Penn State

  • Abraham Lucas, Washington State

  • Luke Goedeke, Central Michigan

  • Spencer Burford, UTSA

  • Tyler Smith, Tulsa

In two years, Washington has had good offensive line play under Ron Rivera and offensive line coach John Matsko. The Commanders lost both starting guards from 2021, but replacements exist on the current roster. However, depth could be an issue. The Commanders battled injuries in 2021, yet still performed well due to the depth.

However, with Brandon Scherff and Ereck Flowers gone, it’s time for Washington to bring in some depth. I wouldn’t be shocked to see the Commanders add two offensive linemen in the 2022 NFL draft.

The Commanders want a versatile safety

Michigan Wolverines defensive back Daxton Hill (30). Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Commanders have scheduled two safeties for top-30 visits.

  • Daxton Hill, Michigan

  • Jaquan Brisker, Penn State

Hill and Brisker will both be gone no later than the second round. There is buzz that Hill could go in the first round. I’ve seen some mention Washington wanting to replace Landon Collins with a safety in the draft. That’s not true. The Commanders are interested in a true safety, even after signing Bobby McCain. McCain can also play some corner if needed.

Brisker and Hill can both play center field for Washington. Hill can even play corner, offering the Commanders the positional flexibility Rivera loves. Brisker also offers versatility.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Washington selects a cornerback. However, depth in the secondary is a priority. If Kyle Hamilton falls to No. 11, things will get interesting.

No linebackers coming in for a visit?

Wyoming linebacker Chad Muma (48). (AP Photo/Steve Conner)

The Commanders currently have no linebackers scheduled for top-30 visits. That doesn’t mean it will not happen, but it’s not been reported. That’s a bit of a surprise. But what does it mean?

Heading into the offseason, we assumed Washington’s biggest defensive need was a Mike linebacker. General manager Martin Mayhew threw some cold water on that notion, saying Cole Holcomb could be that guy. Ron Rivera seemed to agree with Mayhew.

I tend to believe Washington is still looking for an inside linebacker in this draft. Perhaps the Commanders are choosing not to tip their hand by inviting prospects to Ashburn. We do know they met with some of the top linebacker prospects at the combine. I don’t see the Commanders taking a linebacker at No. 11, but it could happen in the second round if someone like Chad Muma is still available.

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