Commanders Target Standout Wide Receiver In Latest Mock Draft

The Washington Commanders could strengthen their offense by adding a top wide receiver in next year's NFL Draft.

Darius Hayes | 15 Hours Ago

Nov 9, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) runs with the ball during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images / Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

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Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders enter the offseason with a pressing need to address their receiving corps, a situation that Bleacher Report writer Dame Parson highlighted in a recent mock draft.

The Commanders’ star wideout, Terry McLaurin, continues to perform at an elite level. "Terry McLaurin doubled the yardage and quadrupled the touchdown catches of the team’s No. 2 wide receiver, Olamide Zaccheaus," Parson said. His dominance shows the lack of consistent production from the rest of the receiving corps, making it clear that a true WR2 is a critical offseason priority.

Washington was projected in the upcoming NFL Draft to select Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III.

Oct 26, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) runs the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Will McLelland-Imagn Images / Will McLelland-Imagn Images

Once considered a potential top-five draft pick, Burden’s stock has slipped following a less-than-stellar season. However, his 2023 game tape still showcases a player with the skills to thrive at the next level.

According to Parson, “Much earlier in the process, Missouri's Luther Burden III was viewed as a legit top target and possibly even a top-five draft pick. He didn't have the season anyone expected this fall, which is why he's slid quite a bit. Still, his 2023 tape suggests a dangerous receiving threat at the NFL level.”

Burden’s profile as a dynamic run-after-catch receiver aligns well with Washington’s offensive needs. "Burden is a dynamic run-after-catch receiver with a great amount of experience winning from the slot. "He can pair well as a quick underneath option to move the chains and bring explosive YAC to the Commanders offense", Parson said.

Another pivotal piece in Washington’s offensive puzzle is quarterback Jayden Daniels, who Parson describes as “a star at the quarterback position and the new face of the Commanders franchise.” Daniels’ development as a passer will heavily influence how the team’s receiving corps performs. “His passing offense revolves around McLaurin, but a secondary threat is necessary," Parson said.

The Washington Commanders are at a crossroads. With a rising star at quarterback, a proven WR1, and a potential draft target in Luther Burden III, the pieces are there to build a more balanced and explosive offense. Addressing the gap between McLaurin and the rest of the receiving corps is not just a luxury but a necessity if the team hopes to compete at the highest level.

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