Commanders Could Benefit From Draft Run on Position Group, Says GM Martin Mayhew

Like in last year's NFL Draft, the Washington Commanders could be benefactors of a mid-first round run on a specific position group.

The Washington Commanders came in with a plan last NFL Draft, and the board fell exactly how they needed it to in order to execute it.

Sitting at No. 11 last year, the Commanders came on the clock eyeing Penn State receiver Jahan Dotson but looking for a trade back partner in the process.

Seeing other prospects like Ohio State's Chris Olave still on the board, Washington was banking on teams liking other receivers more than Dotson so they could get their guy and bank draft picks in the process.

The plan worked like a charm, and to this day many contend that had it not been for his hamstring injury that cost Dotson some games he may have been the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year. 

This year, Washington general manager Martin Mayhew says he's hopeful the team could benefit from a similar run on a position group.

"It happens, and what happens is when you have a smaller group of really good players and then one or two of 'em start to go, people start to get nervous and they want to make sure they can get theirs, you know? So it's very unpredictable and I look forward to it. It's a lot of fun, it's a fun process and we know at the end of it, we're going to be a much better football team,” Mayhew said.

While Mayhew didn't want to specify the group he's referring to, here at Commander Country we think that group could be defensive backs. 

Not cornerbacks, per se, because some have Alabama's Brian Branch listed as a safety despite many projecting him as a starting slot defender in the NFL.

With Penn State's Joey Porter Jr., Maryland's Deonte Banks, South Carolina's Cam Smith, Mississippi State's Emmanuel Forbes, and Branch all among the names teams could be targeting in the first round, the Commanders could hold an auction to move back and gain extra picks as they did in 2022. 

Of course, that's if the guy they want is within reach of that move-back. 

And it's an idea sure to keep us, and fans, talking and speculating about what Washington might do, all the way up to the 16th pick of the NFL Draft.

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

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