NFL Draft: Commanders Add 'Spectacular' CB, Versatile OL

The Washington Commanders added size, speed and versatility in ESPN's two-round mock draft.

Odds are if you’ve read an NFL mock draft, you’ve seen the Washington Commanders take a defensive back with the No. 16 overall pick.

In ESPN's latest two-round mock draft was no different, as Washington took Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr.

Quarterback and offensive line were two positions that ESPN thought of for Washington in the first round, but opted to go with the lengthy cornerback.

“On the other side of the ball, finding a corner should be the priority,” ESPN writes. “At 6-2 with long arms, Porter would make a lot of sense. He has all the tools to be a spectacular cover man."

In 2022, Porter had a career-high eight pass breakups. He set a school record with six against Purdue on Sept. 1. Porter’s performance in 2022 led to him making the first-team All-Big 10 by the coaches and media.

In his career as a Nittany Lion, he only had one interception, which came in 2021.

In the second round, ESPN had the Commanders taking BYU offensive tackle Blake Freeland.

Freeland played three different positions across 40 games for the Cougars. He was a Third Team AP All-American and named to the Phil Steele All-Independent first team in 2021 and 2022.

“The 6-8 Freeland could be the swing tackle as a rookie,” ESPN writes. "He started 40 games for the Cougars, playing left tackle, right tackle and right guard. His height gets him into trouble at times -- he can struggle with speedy rushers -- but he has quick feet.”

The Commanders have a lot of question marks on the offensive line with Andrew Wylie and Nick Gates signing as free agents. It's unclear what their roles may be, so adding a young rookie early in the draft is a likely option for Washington.

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