NFL Mock Draft: Commanders Take New Weapon for Eric Bieniemy Offense?

The position isn't new, but the name projected to join the Washington Commanders gives a new look to how the NFL Draft may unfold.

If the Washington Commanders select a tight end in the first round of the upcoming NFL Draft, most expect it to be Notre Dame's Michael Mayer. 

But a recent mock from 33rd Team dips into the tight end pool with a different name, sending Utah Utes prospect Dalton Kincaid to Commanders assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy's new squad.

"Kincaid has some mismatch qualities in the passing game," says 33rd Team. "The Washington Commanders can get the most out of his ability. Pairing him with Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson would be a boost to the Commanders' passing offense."

Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback Joey Porter Jr., Clemson Tigers linebacker Trenton Simpson, and Northwestern Wildcats offensive lineman Peter Skoronski were all available in this projection when Washington goes on the clock at pick No. 16. 

With the Green Bay Packers taking Mayer just one pick earlier, the Commanders could have easily gone with any of the three and come away with a winning grade from fans and media alike. 

Instead, the combination of potential in Kincaid along with the team's need to find a long-term solution at the tight end position would rationalize this selection.

Last season Washington got 39 receptions from starting tight end Logan Thomas and just 21 from the remaining depth chart combined. 

Part of the issue here came from inconsistency at the quarterback position, but Thomas' continued struggle with injuries leading to three missed games completely also contributed to the low-level production from Commanders tight ends. 

With some new additions to the offensive line in free agency and ahead of the NFL Draft a pick like this one could be celebrated as being one more piece in a resurgent Washington roster. 

As the roster stands today, however, passing on a talent like Skoronski to get this year's second-best tight end feels like a reach.

Find David Harrison on Twitter @DHarrison82 and on the Locked On Commanders podcast.

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