NFL Draft: Commanders Must 'Stay On Their Toes' to Avoid Losing Top Prospect

The Washington Commanders are in position to get a top-tier talent in the NFL Draft, but there will be plenty of other teams looking to trade ahead of them in Round 1.

Trades are always part of the NFL Draft fun and last year the Washington Commanders executed the first Day 1 pick swap and ended up with receiver Jahan Dotson as a result. 

This year, the Commanders are sitting in the very spot they traded back to in the last draft, and could potentially land another impact player. 

If another NFL team doesn't move ahead of them to grab that player first, that is. 

"Draft-wise, they have eight selections, but only three come in the top 100," a recent NFL.com article observed. "Their first pick (No. 16) lands smack dab in the middle of Round 1 -- likely too low to nab a QB or a top offensive lineman. It might allow them to draft a starting-caliber corner, but they'll need to stay on their toes, with trade-up candidates below them possibly ready to pounce."

Cornerbacks like Penn State's Joey Porter Jr. and Mississippi State's Emmanuel Forbes have been discussed as potential options for Washington. 

But there are a string of teams starting at Pick No. 22 who also need cornerback help and could seek out an opportunity to jump ahead of the Commanders for the right prospect. 

According to trade pick value charts a move from the early 20s range to No. 15 just ahead of Washington would cost the team moving up a third-round pick - or equivalent cost package - along with their first-round selection.

If a team believes Porter Jr. or another prospect to be a starting cornerback with long-term potential, then the cost will be worth it and the Commanders could find themselves scooped. 

The biggest threat isn't in the 20s, however, it sits at the pick following Washington's. 

With the 17th pick in the first round the Pittsburgh Steelers need a cornerback, and as it pertains to Porter Jr. specifically, have all the legacy reasons in the world to make a move up to No. 15 if the Green Bay Packers are willing to deal. 

Not needing a cornerback themselves the Packers could move back the two spots, allowing the Steelers to draft a franchise legend's son. 

Better yet for them, they could still get one of their top needs fulfilled provided they don't have the same needs the Commanders do at the top of their list. 

These are the types of situations that sometimes birth one-pick trade-up scenarios, and if Washington wants to preserve their right to take the player they want in the middle of the first round, it may have to pay a toll to do so.

Find David Harrison on the Locked On Commanders podcast or text him directly at (202) 760-2188.

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