NFL 7-Round Mock Draft: Commanders Add 'Immediate Starter'

The Washington Commanders added potential immediate contributors on both sides of the ball.

Adding to the secondary has been a popular pick for the Washington Commanders in recent mock drafts.

ESPN’s 7-round mock draft was no different, as it had Washington taking Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr. with the No. 16 pick.

“With an intriguing blend of size and quickness, Porter is an intriguing option,” ESPN writes. “Patience will be needed with Porter as he works through his aggressive ways in his technique, but he has natural traits that make him one of the top corners in this class. Porter projects as an immediate starter in Washington.”

Porter Jr. started 10 games for the Nittany Lions and had 11 passes defended and 27 tackles in 2022. In his four-year career, he only had one interception. Against Purdue on Sept. 1, Porter had a school-record six pass breakups, which is also tied for the most in the Big 10 conference.

Porter’s dad, Joey Porter, played linebacker in the NFL for 13 years from 1999-2011, spending eight of those years with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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

“Freeland's consistency as a pass protector -- he allowed just one sack in 12 starts last season -- could be appealing for the Commanders, who allowed 48 sacks last season, which was seventh-worst in the NFL,” ESPN writes.

With the rest of its picks, ESPN had Washington also drafted Tulane running back Tyjae Spears, Old Dominion tight end Zack Kuntz, Indiana linebacker Cam Jones, Georgia offensive lineman Warren McClendon, Arizona State defensive lineman Nesta Jade Silvera and San Jose State edge rusher Viliami Fehoko. 

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