Round 1 Pick 16
Devin Lloyd LB Utah
My 3 favorite players, Derek Stingley, Garrett Wilson and Jamison Williams, were all both off the board here, so I cheated and looked to slide back a bit. The Saints had their eye on Kyle Hamilton, the highest rated player left, and were more than happy to move up. I traded picks 11 and 238 for the Saints’ picks 16 and 98, along with their 2023 2nd rounder., essentially recouping what we gave up in the Carson Wentz trade.
Lloyd is the best inside linebacker in the draft and immediately becomes the man in the middle for the Commanders, freeing up 2021 first round pick Jamin Davis to play his more natural Will linebacker spot and tackling machine Cole Holcomb to stay at the Sam.
Round 2 Pick 47
Tre McBride TE Colorado State
The John Bates Stan in me didn’t want to pull the trigger on this one but McBride has the potential to be a very good player. He has monster (10.5”) hands, plays well in traffic and lined up all over the field at CSU. He ran the full route tree in college and was comfortable as the focal point of the offense, getting 38% of his team’s catches. Carson Wentz loves throwing to tight ends and McBride, Bates and Logan Thomas could give the him and Commanders one of the top tight end groups in the league.
Round 3 Pick 98
Carson Strong QB Nevada
This should come as a surprise to no one who has been listening to our podcast. I am a big Carson Strong fan and can’t wait to see him in be burgundy and gold come this fall. He has arm strength, accuracy, experience and his knee issues appear to be behind him. He will be a solid addition to the quarterback room and will provide insurance in case the Carson Wentz experiment fails.
Round 4 pick 113
Kyle Philips WR UCLA
Philips was under utilized at UCLA but coaches and scouts fell in love with him at the East of West Shrine Bowl, as he earned the highest PFF receiver grade during the week of practice. If this sounds familiar, it’s because it mirrors Terry McLaurin’s rise leading up to the draft in 2019. Now, Philips isn’t McLauren—he will likely make his living exclusively in the slot—but his footwork, route running, punt return ability and work ethic make him a sleeper pick in this draft and he could have a very productive NFL career.
Round 6 pick 189
Hassan Haskins RB Michigan
Haskins is good at everything but not great at anything. He is a perfect compliment to Antonio Gibson and JD McKissic, as he can spell them as a lead back, pass catcher or pass protector, while not threatening to take either job full time. He is a definite upgrade over Jarret Patterson as a #3 back and a quality pick in round 6.
Round 7 pick 230
DaRon Bland CB Fresno State
At 6’2 and 200 pounds with 32.5” arms, Bland has the length and size that defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio covets in a cornerback. He isn’t the most explosive player, but counteracts this with his length and instincts. Bland is built for press man coverage and could find an immediate role as a jammer on special teams.
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