Adam Peters and Dan Quinn
Getty
Commanders general manager Adam Peters and Dan Quinn
General manager Adam Peters entered the offseason determined to fix both the No. 22 scoring offense and No. 27 scoring defense. Peters targeted the defense by signing Odafe Oweh, Leo Chenal, and K’Lavon Chaisson, while he bolstered the offense with Rachaad White and Chig Okonkwo. The NFL draft aims to build immediate depth. Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic analyzes the picks, including a trade.
Love is in the Air
Love rushed for 2,882 yards during his three seasons. More importantly, he could give the Commanders a viable lead running back option. With a blend of contact balance, explosion, and speed, Love gets to the second level fast.
If Washington does select him, they will make history. In 1967, the franchise selected Idaho rusher Ray McDonald. That was the last time the team selected a running back in the first round. Love could provide elite rushing, pass catching, and even blocking.
Jeremiyah Love
GettyNotre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.
Jhabvala believes that Love is the type of back that head coach Dan Quinn needs.
“Coach Dan Quinn moved on from offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and appointed David Blough as the Commanders’ new play caller in an effort to create more balance in the offense. That means Jayden Daniels will be under center more, and developing a consistent run game will be vital.”
Love’s presence lessens Daniels’s rushing burden, which is important due to Daniels’s existing injury concerns. Jhabvala also highlights the importance of deepening one specific area.
You Can Never Have Too Many Edge Rushers
The writer’s scenario includes the Commanders trading for an extra pick.
“Trade! Washington sends its third-round pick (No. 71) to Indianapolis in exchange for a third-round pick (No. 78) and a fifth-round pick (No. 156).”
GettyPenn State edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton
With that selection, the Commanders would draft Penn State edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton. Dennis-Sutton enjoyed a productive career at Happy Valley, recording 23.5 sacks and forcing seven fumbles. He stands at 6’6″ and 256 pounds, excelling with speed and burst. To earn a starting role, Dennis-Sutton will need to develop a more diverse pass-rush repertoire.
Speed Becomes the Franchise’s Forte
Jhabvala’s mock draft emphasizes speed throughout. From Love to Dennis-Sutton to LSU linebacker Harold Perkins, the Commanders would add explosive athletes at multiple positions. On defense, speed helps against the spread offense. On offense, it supports beating man coverage and overextending zone coverage.
“Perhaps you’re noticing a theme to this mock draft. But they don’t have a proven top-tier talent to complement Terry McLaurin. They don’t have that second weapon in the pass game for whom defenses have to game plan, or that dynamic back who can force missed tackles on the run and create separation in the pass game.”
The NFL values speed and athleticism, but these traits require coaching to reach their potential. For this mock draft to succeed, the Commanders’ coaches must develop moldable players into reliable contributors.