Commanders land Oregon star in NFL.com’s analytics-based mock draft
Cynthia Frelund of NFL.com recently revealed her second mock draft of draft season. Frelund’s mock drafts are different than many of the ones we see.
Instead of just lining up needs and who is available, Frelund, NFL.com’s analytics expert, has a specific model she uses to project draft prospects to NFL teams. Her model pairs prospects with teams based on optimizing wins for the upcoming season only.
The early part of Frelund’s new mock draft featured no surprise. Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud goes No. 1 to Carolina, with Bryce Young [Texans], Will Anderson Jr. [Cardinals], Anthony Richardson [Colts] and Tyree Wilson [Seahawks].
It’s at No. 6 where Frelund begins to shake things up as Pittsburgh defensive tackle Calijah Kancy lands with the Detroit Lions.
When it came time for the Washington Commanders at No. 16, Frelund gave them a cornerback. That cornerback is Christian Gonzalez of Oregon, whom many believe is this draft’s top defensive back prospect.
Sticking with Gonzalez here. His skill set should help a secondary that needs to increase its turnover production.
Gonzalez is a player many have going in the top 10 of mock drafts. Therefore, it would be a surprise to see him fall to No. 16. Frelund has Gonzalez as the second cornerback off the board behind Illinois’ Devon Witherspoon at No. 14.
Gonzalez has everything NFL teams covet in a No. 1 cornerback. His combination of size, length, athleticism and experience make him an exciting prospect.
