NFL Draft Day 2 Big Board: 10 Targets for Commanders

The Washington Commanders addressed an area of need adding cornerback Emmanuel Forbes in the first round, so we turn our attention to Day 2 of the NFL Draft in search of potential targets.

With Mississippi State cornerback Emmanuel Forbes on his way to help the Washington Commanders secure their perimeter as a first-round pick the team will look to Day 2 to fill other needs. 

We could see a new offensive lineman or linebacker, and we don't think a new slot defender is fully off the board today for the Commanders either. 

Here are 10 prospects Washington could target for a spot on its roster during Day 2 of the NFL Draft.

Second-Round

TE Michael Mayer, Notre Dame

More Rob Gronkowski than he is Travis Kelce, Mayer may not be the exact type of tight end we're used to seeing in assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy's offense, but he was the top tight end on many boards coming into the weekend.

EDGE Keion White, Georgia Tech

Once considered a Day 1 prospect White's stock may have fallen but his potential to contribute to an NFL defense is still very much there and could be a second-round target to help Washington prepare for the likely departure of at least one of their two current starting defensive ends.

IOL Joe Tippman, Wisconsin

Tippmann is arguably the best center in the class, although some will say Minnesota's John Michael-Schmitz is - and he could certainly be on the Commanders' radar as well. 

EDGE BJ Ojulari, LSU

He may be ranked lower, but if we had our choice of players to be the top targeted edge on Day 2 it would be Ojulari. His ability against the pass provides him an immediate role and getting one year to continue molding his game gives him a great shot at being a legitimate starter in Year 2.

IOL Steve Avila, TCU

We've been pounding the table for Avila to be a second-round target all offseason on Locked On Commanders, and for good reason.

"Avila is a physically imposing guard prospect with quick feet and power," says Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com. "In pass protection, he is quick out of his stance, chops his feet and delivers a strong two-hand punch...In the run game, he runs his feet on contact and drives opponents off the line of scrimmage...Overall, I love the size and temperament Avila possesses. He's going to be a solid starting guard right away at the next level."

TE Luke Musgrave, Oregon State

Another second-round tight end prospect Musgrave might have been a legitimate first-round target had he not missed just about all of 2022. 

Other Second-Round Targets to Watch: OL Cody Mauch (North Dakota State), OL O'Cyrus Torrence (Florida), LB Trenton Simpson (Clemson), LB Drew Sanders (Arkansas)

Third-Round

TE Tucker Kraft, South Dakota State

If Washington doesn't target a tight end in the second round and there isn't a massive run on the position, then Kraft could be the fifth one off the board and worth making a move on.

WR Josh Downs, North Carolina

The connection with Commanders quarterback Sam Howell is obvious and while the need may not be near the top of the list, Downs' comparisons to Chiefs receiver Kadarius Toney add another level of intrigue. As does his experience as a punt returner.

CB DJ Turner II, Michigan

While we're not sold Turner will be available in round three, the fall of certain top cornerbacks makes it a little more possible. First-round cornerback Emmanuel Forbes could make this pick seem less likely, but he's a perimeter defender meaning if Washington is still eyeing a slot addition this could be the right move.

EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu, USC

Tuipulotu's energy on the field is what will likely attract every NFL team that has him on their Day 2 board. He's almost the opposite of current Commanders defensive end Chase Young who wins with speed while Tuipulotu is usually winning with power. He'll need at least a full year to continue developing into a potential starter, which is exactly what he'd get if he landed in Washington.

Other Third-Round Targets to Watch: CB Julius Brents (Kansas State), TE Luke Schoonmaker (Michigan), LB Nick Herbig (Wisconsin)

The thing about talent is, we could legitimately see any of these third-round guys going in the second as well depending on when and where runs on positions come. 

With Washington picking No. 97 near the end of Day 2 is also likely getting one of these prospects will require a trade-up, which we know general manager Martin Mayhew isn't against if the team likes a player enough.

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

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