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Commanders Go Different Route In Latest NFL Mock Draft

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Apr 23, 2025 9:48 PM ET

The Washington Commanders will enter the NFL Draft with clear needs on the defensive side of the ball, with Joe Whitt Jr.'s unit needing some help.

Corner and pass rusher, one could argue, are the two spots Washington should be targeting, but the beauty of the draft is that everyone has their own idea of what type of player a franchise could/should draft.

That is what makes mock drafts intriguing, and for Charles Davis of NFL.com, in his final mock draft, the Commanders don't go defense, and don't add another playmaking weapon for Jayden Daniels - they go offensive line with Texas stud Kelvin Banks Jr.

"It would not be a surprise to see Washington select a cornerback here -- Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison is my favorite CB in the draft -- but in this case, the Commanders fortify the offensive line with Banks, who can compete for the starting job at right tackle as a rookie," Davis writes.

Seen as a left tackle, the thought of pushing Banks Jr. to right tackle for the Commanders is interesting.

If a game were to be played today, the starting right tackle would be Brandon Coleman, who like Banks Jr., is a left tackle by trade.

So the Commanders would have to take their time with Banks Jr. with the position swap, but given that some think Kelvin could be one of the better tackles in the draft, the transition could be easier than some think. But there is also a chance he doesn't make it to No. 29 given his talent.

Either way, taking a lineman might be considered a curveball, but with Laremy Tunsil locking down left tackle, adding some more depth and possibly a starting right tackle might not be a bad idea, particularly when Jayden Daniels is your quarterback.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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