USAT: Washington Wire audio clip

USAT: Washington Wire

Feb 12, 2022

The Senior Bowl is in the books, and the next important date on the NFL draft calendar is the scouting combine beginning on March 1. - The Washington Commanders are desperately seeking a quarterback. Head coach Ron Rivera hasn’t been shy about Washington’s need for a franchise quarterback, and he’d prefer to have that spot filled long before the 2022 NFL draft in late April. - However, there’s no guarantee that the Packers or Seahawks will listen to offers for Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson, respectively. Then, you have Deshaun Watson and his complicated legal situation at the moment and a no-trade clause. - So, for Washington, signing a veteran in free agency and drafting a young quarterback early in April’s draft is likely its best option. - Two quarterbacks stood out at the Senior Bowl: Liberty’s Malik Willis and Kenny Pickett of Pitt. Willis is slotted at No. 6 to the Panthers in Draft Wire’s new mock draft, while Pickett goes No. 9 to the Broncos. That means if Washington doesn’t land a veteran, it could be looking at selecting the third passer in what is considered a weak class. - Draft Wire has Washington selecting Ole Miss QB Matt Corral: - - - It’s not a great year to need a quarterback, yet the Commanders are still left with just the third-best passer on the board at this pick. Even so, there’s plenty to like about Corral’s skill set and potential, especially after watching him consistently succeed against SEC defenses. - - - That’s true, it’s not a great year to need a quarterback, but that doesn’t mean one or two of these guys will not develop into a franchise passer. Corral has excellent skills, but as with any of the QBs in this draft, there are concerns. - In the second round, Washington lands Central Michigan offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann. Raimann is massive and athletic, and a former tight end. I could see Washington going guard here, although Raimann has a big-time upside. - In the third round, the Commanders select Wyoming linebacker Chad Muma. Unfortunately for Washington, it didn’t land one of the two best linebackers in Devin Lloyd and Nakobe Dean. However, Muma is a solid prospect, who would provide good value in the third round. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Email - - - - - Sign up - - - - - - - - Like this article? - Sign up for the Washington Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning - - - - An error has occured - - - Please re-enter your email address. - - - - - - Thanks for signing up! - - - You'll now receive the top Washington Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.

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