ESPN’s Todd McShay released his latest mock draft this week, a two-round version that gives the Washington Commanders help at two positions of need.
In the first round, McShay sends Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to Washington, offering the following analysis:
Porter is an outstanding press corner whose instincts, body control and physicality helped him to 11 pass breakups last season. He also limited opponents to 3.7 yards per pass attempt thrown in his direction, good for fifth in the country. The Commanders could use that type of shutdown corner, even though Porter had just one interception over four seasons at Penn State. He’d have an instant impact opposite Kendall Fuller.
Porter is a popular pick for Washington in mock drafts. In McShay’s mock, the athletic former Nittany Lion is the third cornerback off the board. In this scenario, Georgia offensive tackle Broderick Jones was on the board. It’s difficult to imagine the Commanders passing on one of the draft’s top three offensive tackles, but it depends on how much they love Porter.
Washington’s second-round pick comes in at No. 47 overall, and McShay chooses Minnesota center John Michael Schmitz for the Commanders:
Nick Gates and Chase Roullier have both dealt with injuries, and Schmitz brings power and awareness to the center position. The Commanders were 29th in run block win rate at center last season (65.0%), and gave up 48 total sacks (seventh-most).
McShay is correct here. Roullier has battled injuries, and his roster spot is not guaranteed for 2023. Gates was signed to play center but can play guard. If the Commanders draft Schmitz, it’s difficult to imagine him not starting early in his career. However, he could provide depth in 2023 with a plan to move into the starting lineup in 2024.
